'pterylae' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'pteryla', where the Greek root 'pteron' (via 'pterylē') meant 'wing' or 'feather'.

'pterylae' changed from the Ancient Greek word 'pterylē', was Latinized as 'pteryla' in New Latin, and entered English usage as the technical term 'pteryla' with the plural 'pterylae'.

Initially it meant 'a patch or tract of feathers', and over time it has retained this technical ornithological meaning as 'feather tracts'.