Quill-like describes something that resembles a quill in appearance or texture. Primarily, this involves features such as being pointed, stiff, sharp, or having a bristle-like quality. It can refer to objects, structures, or even abstract qualities. The term evokes a sense of rigidity, prickliness, or a capacity to create a line or mark, as a quill is used in writing. Often used in descriptive writing, 'quill-like' can describe anything from the spines of a porcupine, to the needles of a pine tree, or the meticulous strokes of a calligrapher's pen. The core of its meaning centers on the visual and tactile similarities to the long, slender, and often pointed writing instrument.
Quill-like meaning with examples
- The artist's brushstrokes in the painting were quill-like, each line meticulously placed and conveying a sense of precision and detail. The canvas seemed to almost bristle with the energy of these delicate lines. He utilized the 'quill-like' texture to capture the sharp angles of the architecture and the delicate form of a flower, creating a contrast between the subjects.
- The spines on the cactus were menacingly quill-like, forming a protective barrier against any potential predators. The sunlight glinted off their sharp edges, and their appearance, both elegant and dangerous, served as a warning. The plant’s adaptation to its arid environment was evident in the 'quill-like' features, making it a beautiful and effective defense.
- The inscription on the ancient scroll featured quill-like characters, the letters thin and sharp, etched with painstaking care. Their slender forms were both archaic and timeless, carrying an aura of mystery. The ink, now faded, still seemed to possess a 'quill-like' quality, hinting at the elegance and power the words once held.
- The snowflakes that fell during the blizzard appeared quill-like as they accumulated on the window, forming delicate, crystalline structures. These structures were like tiny frozen pens poised to make their mark on a landscape turned monochrome. Each snowflake, so briefly visible, was a beautiful and detailed display of 'quill-like' forms.
- Her eyebrows were carefully sculpted to look quill-like. Their sharp arches gave her a look of intrigue and sharpness. The meticulously applied makeup sought to emulate the precise, purposeful lines of a calligraphic stroke. The 'quill-like' lines of her eyebrows added a certain depth and sophistication.