n.
Pronunciation: ' rek-triks
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural rec · tri · ces \ ' rek-tr ə - ˌ s ē z, rek- ' tr ī -( ˌ )s ē z \
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, feminine of rector one that directs
Date: 1768
: any of the quill feathers of a bird's tail that are important in controlling flight direction ― see BIRD illustration