Definition

A long, stiff hair that grows near the mouth of many animals, often used for sensing their surroundings.

Example

The cat's whiskers twitched as it explored the new environment.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how a cat's whisker can be so sensitive?

Yeah, it's fascinating! They use them to feel their surroundings.

I read that whiskers can even help them judge the width of spaces.

That makes sense! It's like their built-in measuring tool.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Whisker → The word 'whisker' originates from the Old English 'hwisca', meaning a quick movement or a whisking motion, and is related to the verb 'whisk', which means to move quickly. A whisker refers to a long, thin hair or bristle, often found on the face of animals, that can be thought of as a quick-moving sensory organ.

Memory Tip

Imagine a quick movement ('whisk') that helps animals sense their surroundings — that's why whiskers are those long, sensitive hairs.

Visually Confused Words