Pelage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pelage

[ˈpɛlɪdʒ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

animal fur

Pelage refers to the fur, hair, or wool that covers an animal's body. It serves as insulation, protection, and can also be used for camouflage. Pelage can vary greatly between different species of animals, with some having thick, dense fur while others have sparse, short hair.

Synonyms

coat, fur, hair.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pelage	Duplicate entry. See the first 'pelage' for details.
fur	Talking about the soft hair of certain animals, often in the context of pets or fur as a material for clothing. It has a comforting and soft connotation. The cat’s fur is very soft. She wore a fur coat to the event.
coat	General conversation about an animal’s outer covering. Can also refer to layers of paint or other substances. The dog has a shiny coat. Apply a second coat of paint for better coverage.
hair	Referring to the strands growing on humans or animals. It is a more common term that can be used in a wide range of contexts. Her hair is long and curly. The horse has a thick mane of hair.

Examples of usage

The polar bear's pelage is thick and white, helping it blend in with the snowy Arctic landscape.
The chinchilla's pelage is incredibly soft and dense, making it highly sought after for its luxurious feel.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

botany

In botany, pelage refers to the covering of fine hairs or scales on the surface of a plant. This can serve to protect the plant from harsh sunlight, reduce water loss, or deter herbivores from feeding on it.

Synonyms

covering, fuzz, hairs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pelage	Pelage is typically used in scientific or zoological contexts to describe the fur or hair covering of mammals. The dense pelage of the snow leopard helps it survive in cold environments. Studies on the pelage of different animals reveal insights into their evolutionary adaptations.
hairs	Hairs is a more specific term used to refer to the individual strands that make up the fur or hair on animals or humans. It is commonly used in daily conversation. Stray hairs were found on the couch. She brushed her long, brown hairs every morning.
covering	Covering is a general term used to refer to any material or layer that acts as a protective or concealing layer over something. It is not limited to animals and can be used in various contexts. The soft covering of the blanket kept the baby warm. A thick layer of snow served as a natural covering for the landscape.
fuzz	Fuzz refers to fine, light fibers or threads that are soft, usually appearing on surfaces and often related to children's toys or the early stages of hair growth. The peaches were covered in a light fuzz. The newborn chick had a layer of yellow fuzz.

Examples of usage

The leaves of the silver dollar plant have a silvery pelage that helps reflect sunlight and reduce water loss.
The underside of the fern fronds is covered in a fuzzy pelage that can deter insects from laying eggs on them.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

Pelage serves various functions like insulation, camouflage, and protection from weather elements.
Different species have unique pelage adaptations; for example, Arctic foxes have thicker coats in winter compared to summer.
The coloration and pattern of pelage can influence an animal's ability to blend into its habitat, providing survival advantages.

Pop Culture

Animal pelage has inspired fashion, with fur being used in clothing and accessories, often sparking debates about ethics and sustainability.
In animated films, characters like Baloo from 'The Jungle Book' are depicted with distinct pelage to enhance their personalities.

Ecology

Changes in pelage color may indicate environmental adaptations; for instance, some animals change color with the seasons to provide better camouflage.
Pelage can also reflect the health of an ecosystem; a decrease in fur quality may signal issues like pollution or habitat loss.

Literature

Writers often use descriptions of pelage to evoke strong imagery in nature-focused poetry and prose, emphasizing beauty or symmetry.
In fables and folklore, the condition of an animal’s pelage often symbolizes its status or wealth in the animal kingdom.

Origin of 'pelage'

Main points about word origin

The word 'pelage' comes from the French word 'pelage,' which means 'fur' or 'hair,' derived from the Latin 'pelles' for 'skin.'
In English, 'pelage' has been used since the mid-19th century primarily in scientific contexts related to animal biology.

The word 'pelage' has its origins in the French language, derived from the Latin word 'pilus' meaning hair. It first appeared in English in the mid-19th century. The term has been used in zoology and botany to refer to the covering of animals and plants respectively.