Main Entry: vi·bris·sa

Pronunciation: \vī-ˈbri-sə, və-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural vi·bris·sae \vī-ˈbri-(ˌ)sē; və-ˈbri-(ˌ)sē, -ˌsī\

Etymology: Medieval Latin, from Latin vibrare

Date: circa 1693

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