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

Known formally as a vibrissa, a whisker is longer and thicker than normal cat hair.

From National Geographic

Its rib cage has a “collapsibility function,” and once it gets its head in, a rat uses its vibrissae — long whiskers on its nose and face — to feel to make sure it’s safe.

From Washington Post

The idea that our nose hairs, known medically as vibrissae, might offer protection against infectious germs goes back more than a century.

From Seattle Times

Sprouting on the face are whiskers called vibrissae.

From Washington Post

“I thought that the vibrissae about my nostrils detected something unique while I was outside.”

From Literature

Related Words

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