pluim

Pluim is a Dutch noun meaning a plume or tuft of feathers. In English, it is often translated as “plume.” The word is used in ornithology and descriptions of plumage to denote a single feather or a crest-like cluster of feathers. It also appears in fashion and heraldry to describe ornamental feathers used on hats, helmets, or badges. In heraldic contexts, a plumed helmet or cap badge refers to such feathered adornments.

Beyond literal feathers, pluim can describe any tuft or projection that resembles a plume, such as a hair tuft or a decorative floral head that mimics plumage.

Pluim also occurs as a surname in Dutch-speaking regions and may appear in historical and contemporary records. The term is principally a Dutch word; in other languages the direct equivalent is often simply “plume.”