DictionarycoxcombRooster's crest
noun

coxcomb

The fleshy crest on a rooster's head.

The rooster's bright red coxcomb stands out against his white feathers.

Etymology

Cock names the male bird, while comb identifies its raised crest. Together the words specify the conspicuous fleshy structure on a rooster’s head.

More examples

  • A rooster's coxcomb helps release excess body heat.
  • The two roosters have coxcombs of different shapes.
  • She sketches the coxcomb last when drawing the rooster.

Forms

coxcomb · coxcombs

Similar words

comb
The usual modern term for this fleshy crest.
crest
A broader term that also includes feathered head ornaments.