pelage

[pel-ij]

noun

1. the hair, fur, wool, or other soft covering of a mammal.

pelage

/ ˈpɛlɪdʒ /

noun

1. the coat of a mammal, consisting of hair, wool, fur, etc

Other Word Forms

• pelagial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelage¹

1820–30; < French, derivative of poil ( Old French peil, pel; poilu ); -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelage¹

C19: via French from Old French pel animal's coat, from Latin pilus hair

Example Sentences

Findings published today in Evolution, suggest that this is a result of relaxed selection, when environmental change eliminates or weakens the selection of a normally important trait -- in this case black and white pelage.

Read more on Science Daily

His estimated birth year was determined by the condition of his pelage, or fur, and teeth.

Read more on Seattle Times

On the pristine, remote Cisco Beach on Nantucket, I watched a grey seal watching me – only to realise the sleek pelage of its midriff was bound with an orange plastic bag.

Read more on The Guardian

His blond, fuzzy natal pelage has given way to the lush, chocolate brown coat of an adult.

Read more on Seattle Times

The panda’s black-and-white pelage certainly makes for a striking logo.

Read more on Economist

Related Words

• coat 
• jacket 
• pelt 
• skin 
• wool