Hair: meaning, definitions and examples

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hair

[her ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

on head

Any of the fine threadlike strands growing from the skin of humans, mammals, and some other animals.

Synonyms

locks, strands, tresses.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hair	Although spelled the same, context can imply different meanings, such as animal fur. The cat's hair was all over the sofa. He brushed the dog's hair.
locks	Often used in a more poetic or literary sense to refer to someone's hair. It can imply well-kept, beautiful hair. She has golden locks that shine in the sunlight. His dark locks were tousled from sleep.
tresses	Mostly used in poetic or old-fashioned contexts. It describes long, flowing hair and often has an elegant, luxurious connotation. The princess brushed her long tresses every night. Her tresses cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves.
strands	This term is typically used to describe individual hairs or small amounts of hair, either in a descriptive sense or when discussing hair care. She noticed a few gray strands in her hair. He pulled a strand of hair from his face.

Examples of usage

She has long blonde hair.
He has curly hair.
I need to wash my hair.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

body

A very small quantity or extent.

Synonyms

bit, particle, trace.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hair	Used when referring to the thin, thread-like strands that grow from the skin of humans and animals. She has long, curly hair. There was a strand of hair on his shirt.
bit	Used to refer to a small piece or amount of something. Generally, this word is very versatile and can be used in casual conversations. Can I have a bit of that chocolate? She didn’t seem to mind one bit.
particle	Used in scientific or formal contexts to refer to extremely small, often indivisible components of matter. The scientist examined a particle of dust under the microscope. They are studying the behavior of subatomic particles.
trace	Used to describe a very small amount of something that is still detectable. Can be used in both formal and informal settings, often implying something almost imperceptible. The detective found a trace of blood at the crime scene. There was a trace of smile on her lips.

Examples of usage

He doesn't have a hair of courage left.
I don't have a hair of doubt about it.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

botany

A slender outgrowth from the surface of a plant.

Synonyms

bristle, fiber, filament.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hair	Refers to the strands that grow on the head and body of humans and animals. It is the most commonly used term. She brushed her hair every morning. The cat has soft, fluffy hair.
filament	Refers to a very thin, thread-like structure, often used in scientific or technical contexts, such as light bulbs, plants, or 3D printing. The light bulb burnt out due to a broken filament. The spider spun a delicate filament of silk.
fiber	Used for strands of material, both natural and synthetic, which can be woven into textiles. Also used to describe dietary elements. The shirt is made of natural fibers. Eating fiber-rich foods helps with digestion.
bristle	Describes short, stiff hairs found on brushes or on some animals like pigs. Can also describe the sensation of hair standing up due to fear or anger. The toothbrush has nylon bristles. The bristle on the dog's back stood up when it sensed danger.

Examples of usage

The plant was covered in fine white hairs.
The stems are covered with tiny hairs.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'hǣr', which is related to the German word 'Haar'.
In Latin, hair is called 'capillus', which is where we get the term 'capillary' for small hair-like blood vessels.
Many languages have unique words or expressions related to hair, showing its cultural importance.

Science

Human hair is made mostly of a protein called keratin, which also forms nails and the outer layer of skin.
On average, a person has around 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair on their scalp, with blonde individuals typically having more strands than dark-haired people.
Hair can grow about half an inch (1.25 cm) per month and can grow continuously for several years.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, hair symbolizes identity and beauty, with different styles and lengths often signifying cultural heritage.
Certain hairstyles can convey social status, personal beliefs, or even fashion trends, reflecting societal values at various times.
In various traditions, hair cutting or growing can denote significant life changes, such as transitioning to adulthood or mourning.

Psychology

The way individuals style their hair can be linked to self-esteem and personal expression.
Studies show that people often make judgments about others based on their hair, affecting first impressions.
Hair loss can significantly impact mental health, often linked to feelings of loss or identity crisis.

Pop Culture

Iconic hairstyles, like the 'bob' or 'mohawk', have influenced trends in fashion and music through decades.
Many famous film characters are recognized by their distinctive hairstyles, like the 'shag' from 'Some Like It Hot.'
The 'bad hair day' trope has become a popular phrase in media, underscoring the social anxiety surrounding appearance.

Translations

Translations of the word "hair" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cabelo

🇮🇳 बाल

🇩🇪 Haar

🇮🇩 rambut

🇺🇦 волосся

🇵🇱 włosy

🇯🇵 髪 (かみ)

🇫🇷 cheveux

🇪🇸 cabello

🇹🇷 saç

🇰🇷 머리카락

🇸🇦 شعر

🇨🇿 vlasy

🇸🇰 vlasy

🇨🇳 头发 (tóu fǎ)

🇸🇮 lase

🇮🇸 hár

🇰🇿 шаш

🇬🇪 თმა

🇦🇿 saç

🇲🇽 cabello

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,265, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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1262 animal
1263 regarding
1264 moving
1265 hair
1266 vote
1267 element
1268 bound
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