vibrissa

[ vahy-bris-uh ]

noun

, plural vi·bris·sae [vahy-, bris, -ee].

1. one of the stiff, bristly hairs growing about the mouth of certain animals, as a whisker of a cat.
2. one of the long, slender, bristlelike feathers growing along the side of the mouth in many birds.

vibrissa

/ vaɪˈbrɪsə /

noun

1. any of the bristle-like sensitive hairs on the face of many mammals; a whisker
2. any of the specialized bristle-like feathers around the beak in certain insectivorous birds

vibrissa

/ vī-brĭs′ə,və- /

, Plural vibrissae vī-brĭs′ē,və-

1. Any of the long, stiff, bristlelike hairs that project from the snout or brow of most mammals, as the whiskers of a cat or rat. Vibrissae often serve as tactile organs, especially in nocturnal animals and marine mammals such as seals and manatees.
2. Any of several long modified feathers that grow along the sides of the beak of certain birds and help trap insects caught in flight.

Derived Forms

• viˈbrissal, adjective

Other Words From

• vi·brissal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vibrissa¹

First recorded 1685–95; from Late Latin, derivative of Latin vibrāre “to shake”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vibrissa¹

C17: from Latin, probably from vibrāre to shake

Example Sentences

A bristle (vibrissa) on each side of the face near the margin of the mouth.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• eyebrow
• fiber
• fur
• grass
• haircut
• hairstyle
• mane
• sideburn
• strand
• wig
• wool