Definition

A type of domestic cat that has a short, thick coat and is often muscular and medium to large in size.

Example

My friend has a beautiful shorthair cat that loves to play.

Conversation

I just adopted a new cat, and it's a beautiful shorthair.

That's awesome! What color is it?

It's a lovely gray with some white spots.

Sounds adorable! I love shorthair cats.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shorthair is formed from "short" (from Old English *sceort*, meaning not long) and "hair" (from Old English *haer*, meaning the fine thread-like strands that grow from the skin). The word "shorthair" refers to hair that is not long in length.

Memory Tip

Think of 'short' meaning not long and 'hair' referring to the strands on the head — that's why shorthair describes hair that is short in length.

Visually Confused Words