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Hirsute Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hirsute

[ˈhɜːr.suːt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

Hirsute is used to describe someone who is very hairy, especially on their face or body.

Synonyms

hairy, hirsutal, hirsutism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hirsute

Typically used in a more formal or scientific context to describe someone or something that is unusually hairy.

  • The biologist noted the hirsute nature of the primate.
  • He had a hirsute chest, which he often showed off at the beach.
hairy

Commonly used in everyday language to describe something or someone with a lot of hair. Can also refer to a difficult or frightening situation.

  • She has a very hairy cat that sheds a lot.
  • The road up the mountain was quite hairy, especially in bad weather.
hirsutism

A medical term used to describe excessive hair growth in women in areas where hair is usually minimal. Can carry a negative connotation for those affected by the condition.

  • She consulted her endocrinologist for her hirsutism.
  • Hirsutism can be caused by hormonal imbalances and often requires medical treatment.
hirsutal

Rarely used and mostly found in medical or scientific texts to describe the state of being covered with coarse, rough hair.

  • The doctor examined the patient's hirsutal condition.
  • Research on the hirsutal tendencies of certain mammals was conducted.

Examples of usage

  • He had a hirsute chest that he was proud of.
  • The hirsute man decided to grow a beard.
  • The hirsute athlete stood out among his teammates.
  • The hirsute actor often played roles as a caveman.
  • Her hirsute arms were covered in thick hair.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, some species are identified as hirsute based on their dense fur or hair, which can serve functional purposes like warmth and camouflage.
  • Hirsutism is a medical condition in humans characterized by excessive hair growth in areas typically male-pattern, often due to hormonal imbalances.

Culture

  • In the 1970s, hirsute styles became a cultural phenomenon as natural body hair and long hairstyles gained popularity in countercultural movements like hippie culture.
  • The term is sometimes used humorously in contemporary fashion discussions to describe trends that favor more 'natural' looks, including body hair.

Literature

  • Writers often use the word 'hirsute' to evoke images of rugged masculinity or a wild, untamed character in novels.
  • In poetry, a hirsute appearance can symbolize primal instincts or a connection to nature, linking humans back to their animal origins.

Origin of 'hirsute'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hirsute' comes from the Latin word 'hirsutus', which means 'hairy' or 'rough'.
  • In Latin, 'hirsum' refers to bristly hair, linking the word closely to descriptions of hairiness across several languages.

The word hirsute comes from the Latin word 'hirsutus', which means shaggy or bristly. It has been used in English since the mid-17th century to describe someone who is hairy or has an excessive growth of hair. The term is often used humorously or affectionately to refer to someone with a lot of hair.

See also: hirsutism.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,106, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.