horsehair

American  

[hawrs-hair] / ˈhɔrsˌhɛər /

noun

1. a hair or the hair of a horse, especially from the mane or tail.

2. a sturdy, glossy fabric woven of this hair.

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adjective

1. of or relating to horsehair.

   a horsehair mattress.

horsehair British  

/ ˈhɔːsˌhɛə /

noun

1. 1. hair taken chiefly from the tail or mane of a horse, used in upholstery and for fabric, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a horsehair mattress

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Other Word Forms

• horsehaired
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of horsehair

First recorded in 1275–1325, horsehair is from Middle English hors here. See horse, hair

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

horsehair

Their complex armor is laden with fur, horsehair or leather, which was hand painted to look like scuffed metal, but weigh much less.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2024

Further analysis supported the idea that the molecular mimicry seen in the Chordodes horsehair worms is likely the result of horizontal gene transfer from mantises.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2023

They focused on horsehair or gordian worms, a group of parasitic animals related to nematodes.

From Science Magazine ● Oct. 19, 2023

Eco designers Vim and Omi were commissioned to make a dress for the show and chose to reflect all three issues in a striking dress made from nettles, horsehair and linen.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2023

Mrs. Cobb sat in her horsehair chair and pointed to her organ impatiently.

From "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt