vibrissa

vi·bris·sa

noun \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

Origin of VIBRISSA

Medieval Latin, from Latin vibrare

First Known Use: circa 1693

Rhymes with VIBRISSA

abscissa, Larissa, mantissa, Orissa