hirsute etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin "hirtus" (hairy, shaggy)

Meaning:

  • Covered with coarse, thick hair, especially on the face or body.

Origin:

The word "hirsute" has its roots in ancient Latin. The Latin adjective "hirtus" originally meant "hairy" or "shaggy" and was often used to describe animals or plants with thick coats of fur or foliage. Over time, the term was also applied to humans with excessive body hair, particularly on the face and limbs.

In the English language, "hirsute" first appeared in the 16th century and initially carried a similar meaning to its Latin origin. It was primarily used to describe people with an unusually hairy appearance, often in a derogatory or humorous context. However, in modern usage, the term has become more neutral and is often employed in medical and scientific contexts to describe individuals with a genetic predisposition to excessive hair growth.

Examples:

  • The hirsute man had thick, wiry hair covering most of his body.
  • Hirsutism is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth in women, often caused by hormonal imbalances.
  • The hirsute caterpillars of the tiger moth have long, dense hairs that provide protection.

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  • hirsute

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