Definition

Not having been cut or trimmed, especially referring to hair or fur.

Example

The unshorn mane of the horse flowed beautifully in the wind.

Conversation

Have you seen that new guy in our class?

Yeah, I noticed he has this really wild hair that's totally unshorn.

I wonder if he's trying to make a statement with that look.

Maybe! It definitely makes him stand out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unshorn → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "shorn" (the past participle of "shear", which comes from Old English "scieran", meaning to cut). The word "unshorn" means not having been cut or trimmed, particularly in reference to hair.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') having been 'cut' ('shorn') — that's why unshorn means not cut.

Visually Confused Words