vibrissae

Meanings

1. 1nounpluralbiology

   The stiff, sensitive hairs growing on the face of many mammals, used to feel the surroundings.

   Grammar: Plural of vibrissa: the cat's vibrissae detect air movement.

   Patterns

   • vibrissae of an animal

   A seal's vibrissae can detect tiny movements in the water.

   The mouse explored the dark tunnel with its vibrissae.

   Cutting a cat's vibrissae can leave it confused in narrow spaces.

2. 2nounpluralmedical

   Short, stiff hairs inside the human nostril that help filter particles from the air.

   Grammar: Plural; in humans the word is mostly medical.

   Patterns

   • vibrissae in something

   Vibrissae in the nose trap dust before it reaches the lungs.

   The doctor mentioned that the vibrissae are part of the nose's defenses.

   Excess dust can irritate the vibrissae.

Word forms

Common combinations

sensory vibrissae

Rats use sensory vibrissae to explore their world.

facial vibrissae

Facial vibrissae are connected to many nerves.

nasal vibrissae

Nasal vibrissae block large particles.

vibrissae of the seal

The vibrissae of the seal sense passing fish.

Synonyms and how they differ

whiskers

Whiskers is the everyday word, while vibrissae is the scientific term for sensory whiskers only.

feelers

Feelers usually describes insect antennae and is a looser, non-technical word.

bristles

Bristles are stiff hairs in general, but vibrissae specifically are sensory hairs.

Word family

vibrissa noun

one such whisker or nostril hair

vibrissal adjective

relating to vibrissae

Commonly confused: vibrissae or vibrations?

Practice

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