Hairball: meaning, definitions and examples
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hairball
[ ˈhɛrˌbɔl ]
animal health
A hairball is a mass of hair that accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, particularly cats. It forms when the animal grooms itself and ingests hair, which can clump together and create a solid mass. These hairballs can lead to discomfort, vomiting, or other digestive issues if not expelled. Cats often cough them up as a means of getting rid of the accumulated hair. Regular grooming can help reduce the frequency of hairballs in pets.
Synonyms
furball, hair mass
Examples of usage
- My cat coughed up a hairball this morning.
- Grooming my dog regularly helps prevent hairballs.
- Hairballs can be a sign of excessive grooming.
- Some cat foods are formulated to reduce hairballs.
Translations
Translations of the word "hairball" in other languages:
🇵🇹 bola de pelos
🇮🇳 बालों की गेंद
🇩🇪 Haarkugel
🇮🇩 bola rambut
🇺🇦 волосяна кулька
🇵🇱 kulka włosów
🇯🇵 毛玉 (けだま)
🇫🇷 boule de poils
🇪🇸 bola de pelo
🇹🇷 kıllı top
🇰🇷 털뭉치
🇸🇦 كرة شعر
🇨🇿 chlupatý míč
🇸🇰 chlpatá guľa
🇨🇳 毛球
🇸🇮 krogla dlak
🇮🇸 hárkúla
🇰🇿 шаш доп
🇬🇪 თმის ბურთი
🇦🇿 saç topu
🇲🇽 bola de pelo
Etymology
The term 'hairball' is derived from the combination of the words 'hair' and 'ball', signifying a ball-like mass of hair. The word 'hair' comes from the Old English 'hæг,' which means 'hair' or 'fur', and can be traced back to Proto-Germanic roots. The word 'ball' has its origins in the Old Norse 'bǫll', which refers to a round object or sphere. The use of 'hairball' in reference to the clumped hair in animals, particularly cats, gained popularity in the 20th century, as pet ownership increased and understanding of animal health also advanced. It became a common term among pet owners and veterinarians, highlighting the importance of grooming and health awareness in pets. Today, 'hairball' is widely recognized in veterinary practices and pet care industries, often appearing in discussions about prevention and treatment.