'Vibrissae' definitions:

Definition of 'Vibrissae'

From: GCIDE
  • Vibrissa \Vi*bris"sa\, n.; pl. Vibrissae. [L. vibrissae, pl., the hairs in the nostrils of man, fr. vibrare to vibrate; -- so called because touching them tickles a person, and causes him to shake his head.]
  • 1. (Anat.) One of the specialized or tactile hairs which grow about the nostrils, or on other parts of the face, in many animals, as the so-called whiskers of the cat, and the hairs of the nostrils of man. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Zool.) The bristlelike feathers near the mouth of many birds. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Vibrissae'