Whiskers Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐บ
whiskers
[หwษชskษrz ]
Definitions
on a cat
Whiskers are the long, sensitive hairs that grow near the mouth and nose of a cat. They are used to help the cat judge distances and navigate in the dark.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| whiskers |
Informal and commonly used word. Often mentioned when talking about the facial hair of cats or other animals with a similar feature.
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| vibrissae |
Scientific term primarily used in zoology or veterinary contexts, referring to the sensory hair on the face of animals. It's less common in daily conversation.
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Examples of usage
- Her cat's whiskers twitched as it sniffed the air.
- The kitten's whiskers brushed against my hand as it nuzzled closer.
on a person
Whiskers are facial hair that grows on a person's cheeks and chin, typically referring to a short, stubbly growth.
Synonyms
beard stubble, facial hair.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| whiskers |
Commonly used to describe the long, stiff hairs on the face of animals, especially cats, rats, and other mammals. Can also be used humorously to refer to mustaches in humans.
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| facial hair |
A general term that encompasses all types of hair growth on the human face, including the beard, mustache, and sideburns.
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Examples of usage
- He sported a trendy beard with stylish whiskers on his cheeks.
- She ran her fingers over his rough whiskers, feeling the stubble.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Whiskers, or vibrissae, are specialized hairs that are more sensitive than normal fur and help animals navigate their surroundings.
- These hairs can detect even the slightest changes in airflow, making them essential for hunting and avoiding obstacles.
Cultural References
- In various cultures, whiskers are often associated with wisdom and mystery, particularly in depictions of cats and sages.
- Cartoons frequently exaggerate whiskers for comedy, making characters look silly or endearing.
Animal Behavior
- Cats can express their emotions through their whiskers; if theyโre relaxed, the whiskers are forward, but if scared, they pull them back.
- Other animals, like rats and seals, also have whiskers that serve similar sensory functions, allowing them to explore their environment.
Popular Culture
- The character Top Cat from the animated series has prominent whiskers, contributing to his cartoonish charm and personality.
- Whiskers is also the name of a popular cat food brand, emphasizing the relationship between whiskers and cats in society.
Origin of 'whiskers'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'whisker' comes from the Old English word 'wisc', which means a 'to move quickly'.
- It originally referred to different types of hair and has evolved to specifically mean facial hair in animals.
The word 'whisker' originated from the Middle English word 'whisker' or 'wisker', meaning a beard or mustache. Over time, it evolved to refer to the sensory hairs found on animals like cats. The use of 'whiskers' to describe facial hair on humans came about in the early 17th century. Today, 'whiskers' can evoke images of both feline elegance and rugged masculinity.