An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A structure or form that is like a long feather. → polar plume.

Etymology (EN): From M.E., from O.Fr. plume, from L. pluma “feather, down,” from PIE base *pleus- “feather, fleece.”

Etymology (PE): Parr “feather,” variant bâl “wing,” Mid.Pers. parr “feather, wing,” bâl; Av. parəna- “feather,” Skt. parnam, cf.
O.H.G. farn “fern,” PIE pornom “feather.”