Pronunciation: [hɜːsˈuːt] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "hirsute" can be confusing for some due to the silent "e" at the end. The word is pronounced as /hɜːˈsuːt/ (hur-soot), with the stress on the second syllable. The "h" is pronounced with a breathy sound, and the "r" is rolled slightly. "Hirsute" means hairy or fuzzy and is often used to describe a person or animal with a lot of hair or fur. Remember to omit the "e" to spell it correctly!
Hirsute is an adjective that describes someone or something that is covered with an abundant amount of hair or fur. The term is derived from the Latin word "hirsutus," which means hairy or shaggy. It is commonly used to describe the physical appearance of humans or animals.
When referring to humans, hirsute usually suggests an excessive growth of hair on various parts of the body, including the face, chest, arms, or legs. A person who is hirsute typically has thick, coarse, and dense hair that is more prominent compared to the average population. It can apply to both males and females, although it is more commonly associated with men.
In the context of animals, hirsute describes creatures that have a dense coat or fur covering their body. This includes mammals such as bears, wolves, or gorillas, which exhibit a significant amount of hair compared to other animals.
The term hirsute can also be used figuratively to describe something that is characterized by or associated with hairiness. For example, a hirsute problem may refer to a complex or intricate issue that is difficult to resolve or untangle.
Overall, hirsute is a word that highlights the presence of an excessive or pronounced amount of hair or fur, whether in the context of humans, animals, or metaphorically in describing a challenging situation.
Hairy; having coarse, long hairs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Covered with long stiffish hairs thickly set; hairy.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word hirsute comes from the Latin word hirsutus, which means covered with hair or shaggy. It is derived from the Latin verb hirstiri, which means to be rough or shaggy.
