vibrissa noun. [vʌɪ'brɪsǝ] Pl. -ssae [-si:]. L17.
[Latin, from vibrare VIBRATE.]
1. Any of a number of long stiff hairs growing about the mouth or elsewhere on the face of many mammals, used as an organ of touch; a whisker; a nostril hair. Usu. in pl. L17.

2. Ornithology. Each of the coarse bristle-like feathers growing about the gape of certain birds that catch insects in flight. Usu. in pl. L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲