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Whisker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whisker

[ˈwɪskər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on a cat

Any of the long, stiff hairs growing on the face or muzzle of a cat, typically around the mouth.

Synonyms

vibrissa.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whisker

Colloquial or idiomatic usage identical to 'whisker' above. Often appears in expressions or informal conversations to indicate something very close.

  • She escaped the accident by a whisker
  • ; The beard was starting to grow long, with whiskers all over his face
vibrissa

A more scientific term, often used in zoological or biological contexts. It's specific to sensory hairs on animals, especially in research or academic writing.

  • The study focused on the function of the vibrissae in rodents
  • ; Birds have vibrissae that help them detect small changes in their environment

Examples of usage

  • The cat's whiskers help it to sense its surroundings.
  • Her cat's whiskers twitched as it sniffed the air.
Context #2 | Noun

measurement

A very small amount or distance.

Synonyms

smidgen, trace.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whisker

This word is often used in informal situations to describe a very small amount or margin, commonly used in competitive contexts or close measurements.

  • She won the race by a whisker.
  • They missed the deadline by a whisker.
smidgen

This term is used in casual or informal contexts to indicate a small quantity, often when talking about food or cooking.

  • Add a smidgen of salt to the soup.
  • He has a smidgen of interest in history.
trace

This word is used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a very small or barely detectable amount of something, often related to substances or clues.

  • There was a trace amount of lead in the water.
  • They found a trace of evidence at the crime scene.

Examples of usage

  • She added just a whisker of salt to the dish.
  • The car missed the tree by a whisker.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

Someone or something that is remarkable or outstanding.

Synonyms

cream of the crop, top dog.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whisker

This entry seems to be a duplicate. The earlier context for 'whisker' mentioned can be referred to.
top dog

Used to describe a person or group that is the best or most important in a particular area. It has a bit of a competitive connotation.

  • He has been the top dog in the company for years.
  • When it comes to competitive sports, she is always the top dog.
cream of the crop

Refers to the best or most excellent part of a group. It's often used to describe people, products, or any entity that stands out as being the best.

  • The students in this class are the cream of the crop.
  • These brands represent the cream of the crop in the fashion industry.

Examples of usage

  • He thinks he's the cat's whiskers.
  • The new singer is the whisker of the music scene.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Whiskers are called vibrissae in scientific terms, which are specialized hairs equipped with sensory receptors.
  • They are deeply embedded into the animal's body and can sense even the slightest vibrations in the air.
  • Animals like cats and rats use whiskers to navigate and understand their surroundings, which is crucial for survival.

Culture

  • In many cultures, whiskers are thought to symbolize wisdom and intelligence, often depicted as a sign of a clever character in literature.
  • Cartoons frequently exaggerate whiskers to create funny, distinctive characters, emphasizing their importance in animal portrayal.
  • The way whiskers are shown in art and media often highlights the personality traits of animals, such as curiosity or playfulness.

Technology

  • Researchers have developed robots with whisker-like sensors to help navigate terrains by mimicking sensitive responses seen in animals.
  • Vibrissae-inspired technology is being used in medical fields to create advanced touch-sensitive devices for prosthetics.
  • Engineers study whiskers to enhance underwater navigation sensors for autonomous vehicles.

Origin of 'whisker'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'whisker' comes from the Old English 'wisc' meaning 'the act of moving quickly' or 'to whisk away.'
  • In Middle English, the term referred not only to the facial hairs of animals but also to other threads or strands.
  • Whiskers have been documented in various languages, often with meanings related to tactile senses.

The word 'whisker' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Middle Dutch word 'wisch' which means 'bundle of twigs'. The term was first used to describe the stiff hairs on the face of a cat. Over time, 'whisker' also came to be used in measuring small amounts or distances, as well as informally to describe something remarkable or outstanding.

See also: whisk, whiskers, whiskey, whisking, whisky.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,581, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.