STINGING HAIR Meaning and
Definition
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Stinging hair refers to a specialized form of hair found in certain organisms, serving as a defensive mechanism to deter or incapacitate potential threats or prey. It is a characteristic feature predominantly observed in various species of plants and animals, primarily insects and marine creatures.
In plants, stinging hair typically consists of tiny hairs or trichomes with a thin, hollow structure. These hairs are equipped with a venom-filled gland at their base. When the hair is touched or brushed against, it pierces the skin of the intruder, enabling the venom to be injected through the hollow shaft. This action typically leads to an immediate and often intense sensation of pain, itching, or burning in the recipient, serving as a deterrent against further interaction with the plant.
Among insects, certain species such as stinging ants, wasps, and caterpillars possess stinging hairs as part of their defense mechanism. These hairs are often barbed or contain venomous substances, causing irritation or allergic reactions when they come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes of animals or humans.
Stinging hair is also seen in some marine organisms, notably jellyfish and certain sea anemones. These organisms have specialized structures called cnidocytes, which are responsible for their stinging capabilities. Cnidocytes usually contain a long, thin filament or tentacle that, upon contact with a potential threat, ejects a venom-filled, harpoon-like structure, delivering a painful sting.
Overall, stinging hair is an evolutionary adaptation that plays a crucial role in providing protection and deterring potential harm or predation in various organisms across different ecosystems.
Common Misspellings for STINGING HAIR
- atinging hair
- ztinging hair
- xtinging hair
- dtinging hair
- etinging hair
- wtinging hair
- sringing hair
- sfinging hair
- sginging hair
- syinging hair
- s6inging hair
- s5inging hair
- stunging hair
- stjnging hair
- stknging hair
- stonging hair
- st9nging hair
- st8nging hair
- stibging hair
Etymology of STINGING HAIR
The etymology of the word "stinging hair" stems from the combination of the words "stinging" and "hair".
The word "stinging" is derived from the Old English verb "stingan" meaning "to prick or pierce with a sharp point". This word later evolved into the Middle English word "styngyn", which eventually led to the term "stinging" in modern English. It refers to the sensation caused by something sharp or irritating.
The word "hair" comes from the Old English noun "hǣr", which is related to the Old Norse word "hár". Both share the same Proto-Germanic root "*hǣhraz", indicating the growth of filaments on the human body.
When combined, "stinging hair" refers to plant structures that possess the ability to cause a stinging or irritating sensation through contact.
Similar spelling words for STINGING HAIR
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