underfur

[ uhn-der-fur ]

noun

1. the fine, soft, thick, hairy coat under the longer and coarser outer hair in certain animals, as seals, otters, and beavers.

underfur

/ ˈʌndəˌfɜː /

noun

1. the layer of dense soft fur occurring beneath the outer coarser fur in certain mammals, such as the otter and seal Also calledundercoat

Word History and Origins

Origin of underfur¹

First recorded in 1875–80; under- + fur

Example Sentences

But beneath those, there’s a much thicker layer of underfur.

From Washington Post

By the ’70s, he was able to help support his young family by selling raccoon pelts, which fetched $25 or more for their thick underfur.

From Washington Post

Silver moved in a halo of light, for the sun sparkled on the guard hairs that grew out over the dense underfur and she seemed to glow.

From Literature

We examine luxurious scarves made from the underfur of Tibetan antelopes, which can sell for $5,000, or more if embroidered.

From Newsweek

Color: Darker throughout, especially on dorsal surface due to more black of the underfur; underparts deeper buff.

From Project Gutenberg