First Known Use: circa 1693
Dictionary
vibrissa
noun vi·bris·sa \vī-ˈbri-sə, və-\
plural vi·bris·sae \vī-ˈbri-(ˌ)sē; və-ˈbri-(ˌ)sē, -ˌsī\
Definition of VIBRISSA
1
: one of the stiff hairs that are located especially about the nostrils or on other parts of the face in many mammals and that often serve as tactile organs
2
: one of the bristly feathers near the mouth of many and especially insectivorous birds that may help to prevent the escape of insects
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Origin of VIBRISSA
Medieval Latin, from Latin vibrare
Medical Dictionary
vibrissa
noun vi·bris·sa \vī-ˈbris-ə, və-\
plural vi·bris·sae \vī-ˈbris-(ˌ)ē; və-ˈbris-(ˌ)ē, -ī\
Medical Definition of VIBRISSA
1
: any of the stiff hairs that are located especially about the nostrils or on other parts of the face in many mammals and that often serve as tactile organs
2
: any of the stiff hairs growing within the nostrils that serve to impede the inhalation of foreign substances
—vi·bris·sal \-əl\ adjective
Seen & Heard
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