whisker etymology

Etymology of "Whisker"

The word "whisker" has an uncertain etymology, with two potential origins:

1. Middle Dutch: "wiesken," meaning "small wick"
2. Proto-Germanic: "whiskwos," referring to the hair on the face of animals

Meaning and Origin

"Whisker" originally referred to the thick, coarse hairs on the faces of animals, particularly cats and dogs. The term was later applied to similar hairs on the faces of humans, especially those that are long and prominent. In modern usage, "whisker" can also refer to:

• The long, sensory hairs on the faces of certain animals, such as seals and sea lions
• Fine hairs on the edge of a feather
• Stiff hairs protruding from a fabric, such as velvet or corduroy
• A thin, flexible wire used for various purposes, such as welding or feeding a pet

whisker relate terms

• whisk

  Etymology and Origin of Whisk Etymology Old English wisc broom brush Origin Th

• whisk

  Etymology and Origin of Whisk Etymology Old English wisc broom brush Origin Th

• hair

  Etymology The word hair comes from the Proto Germanic word harja which is related t

• provide

  Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words etymon meaning true sense

• render

  Etymology Old French rendre Late Latin reddere Proto Indo European red Meaning

• supply

  Etymology Middle English supplien from Old French suplir supllier from Latin supp

• furnish

  Etymology The word furnish is derived from the Old French word furnir which means t

• gloss

  Etymology From Middle English glose from Old French glose from Medieval Latin gl

• delta

  Etymology Greek δέλτα delta Meaning The fourth letter of the Greek alphabe

• window

  Etymology Old English windōge from Proto Germanic windaugaz derived from wi

• orchid

  Etymology of Orchid The word orchid originates from the Greek word orchis which me