vellus hair

[ vel-uhs hair ]

noun

1. the fine, light, short hairs that cover most of a person’s body. Compare terminal hair ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of vellus hair¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

From the Italian word velluto, signifying velvet, which comes from vellus, hair or fleece.

From Project Gutenberg