Hypoptilum \Hy*pop"ti*lum\, n.; pl. L. {Hypoptila}, E. {Hypoptilums}. [NL., fr. Gr. "ypo` beneath + ? down.] (Zo["o]l.) An accessory plume arising from the posterior side of the stem of the contour feathers of many birds; -- called also {aftershaft}. See Illust. of {Feather}.