whisker

whis·ker

noun \ˈhwis-kər, ˈwis-\

Definition of WHISKER

1

a : a hair of the beard b plural (1) archaic : mustache (2) : the part of the beard growing on the sides of the face or on the chin c : hairbreadth <lost the race by a whisker>

2

: one of the long projecting hairs or bristles growing near the mouth of an animal (as a cat or bird)

3

: an outrigger extending on each side of the bowsprit to spread the jib and flying jib guys —usually used in plural

4

a : a shred or filament resembling a whisker b : a thin hairlike crystal (as of sapphire or copper) of exceptional mechanical strength used especially to reinforce composite structural material

— whis·kered \-kərd\ adjective

— whis·kery \-k(ə-)rē\ adjective

Examples of WHISKER

1. He won the race by a whisker.

Origin of WHISKER

singular of whiskers mustache, from ²whisk

First Known Use: circa 1600

Rhymes with WHISKER

frisker, risker