whisker
1 of 2nounany of the long, stiff hairs that grow on the face of a cat, mouse, etc.
Learn more on WikipediaWhiskers, also known as vibrissae, are specialized hairs that grow on the face and other parts of the body of certain mammals, including cats, dogs, and seals. These sensory hairs are thicker than the other hairs on the body and are deeply embedded in hair follicles surrounded by blood vessels and nerves. Whiskers are used by animals to sense their environment by detecting even the slightest movement, air currents, and vibrations in the surrounding space. They help animals navigate in the dark, detect prey, and avoid predators. Whiskers are particularly important for nocturnal animals, who rely on their sense of touch to find their way around. Some animals can even move their whiskers independently to improve their perception of their surroundings.
- The cat's whiskers twitched as it watched a bird outside the window.
- Whiskers help cats navigate and sense their surroundings in the dark.
- Mice use their whiskers to feel their way through narrow spaces.
- The seal's whiskers detect vibrations in the water to locate prey.
- The squirrel's whiskers brushed against the bark as it climbed the tree.
a very small distance or space