How Do You Spell QUILLS?

Pronunciation: [kwˈɪlz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "quills" can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription. The initial consonant sound is /kw/ followed by the vowel sound /ɪ/ and ending with a voiceless sound /lz/. The double letter "ll" represents a consonant cluster /l/ which creates a longer duration of the sound. The silent "u" in the spelling is the result of an etymology that goes back to Latin "quila" meaning "feather" which also explains the pronunciation and spelling of the word "quill".

QUILLS Meaning and Definition

  1. Quills, in the context of writing instruments, refer to specialized feathers or pens that were historically used to write and draw. These quills are typically derived from the primary flight feather of large birds, such as geese or swans. The process of creating a quill pen involves removing the barbs and the base of the feather to form a hollow tube. This allows the writer to dip the quill in ink and utilize capillary action for the ink to flow onto the writing surface. The tip of the quill needs to be cut at an angle to create a fine point, which can be reshaped during use with a penknife.

    Quill pens were extensively used throughout history, particularly during the medieval and Renaissance periods, before the invention of modern writing instruments like metal nibs and ballpoint pens. They were highly valued for their flexibility and unique writing experience, providing a wide range of lines and widths depending on the pressure and angle applied during writing. Quills were appreciated for their functionality, versatility, and ability to hold a significant amount of ink. However, they required constant sharpening and could be relatively fragile, which necessitated the frequent replacement of quills in order to maintain a satisfactory writing experience.

    In the present day, quills are primarily utilized as a symbol of historical significance, or for calligraphic and artistic purposes by enthusiasts seeking a traditional and authentic writing experience.

Top Common Misspellings for QUILLS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for QUILLS

Etymology of QUILLS

The word "quills" has Middle English origins and can be traced back to the Old English word "cwell". "Cwell" refers to a quill or the hollow stem of a feather, mainly used for writing purposes. The word later evolved to "quyll" in Middle English and eventually became "quill" in Modern English. The etymology can be understood by recognizing the similarity between the word "quill" and the Latin word "culmus", which also means "stem" or "runnel". This Latin root is thought to have influenced the Old English "cwell" and, consequently, the word "quills" as we know it today.

Similar spelling words for QUILLS

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: