■ noun
1》 a comb or tuft of feathers, fur, or skin on the head of a bird or other animal.
↘a plume of feathers on a helmet.
2》 the top of a ridge, wave, etc.
↘ Anatomy a ridge along the surface of a bone.
3》 a distinctive heraldic device representing a family or corporate body, displayed above the shield of a coat of arms or separately.
■ verb reach the top of.
↘(of a wave) form a curling foamy top.
↘( be ~ed with ) have (something) attached at the top.
Phrases
on the ~ of a wave at a very successful point.
Derivatives
~ed adjective
~less adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~e , from L. crista 'tuft, plume'.