Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
vibrissae
Noun
/vɪˈbrɪs.eɪ/
Definition
Vibrissae are specialized sensory hairs found on the faces of many animals, known for their role in detecting touch and movement.
Examples
- The cat’s vibrissae twitched as it sensed movement nearby.
- Rats use their vibrissae to explore their surroundings in the dark.
- When a dog is excited, you can often see its vibrissae standing out from its face.
Meaning
These long, stiff hairs provide tactile feedback to animals, helping them navigate their environment, particularly in low-light situations.
Synonyms
- Whiskers
- Tactile hairs
- Facial hair (in animals)
