How Do You Spell WHISKERS?

Pronunciation: [wˈɪskəz] (IPA)

Correct spelling for the English word "whiskers" is [wˈɪskəz], [wˈɪskəz], [w_ˈɪ_s_k_ə_z] (IPA phonetic alphabet).

WHISKERS Meaning and Definition

1. Whiskers refer to the long, stiff hairs that grow near the mouth, nose, and other areas of the face in certain mammals. They are commonly found in animals such as cats, dogs, and rodents, serving as sensory organs that aid in navigation and perception. Whiskers, also known as vibrissae, are embedded deeper in the skin than ordinary hairs, and their roots are attached to specialized muscle fibers, making them more sensitive.

   Functionally, whiskers play a crucial role in tactile sensing. They serve as extensions of the animal's nervous system, providing vital information about its surroundings. By bending when they come into contact with objects or changes in air currents, whiskers convey valuable tactile information to the animal, such as the presence of obstacles in their path, wind direction, or even the texture and shape of objects nearby. This sensory input helps animals navigate their environment, hunt for prey, detect potential threats, and maintain spatial awareness.

   In addition to their functional importance, whiskers are also considered a defining physical characteristic of many animal species. In felines, whiskers are typically long, straight, and the same width as the animal's body. They protrude from the sides of the upper lip and can vary in length depending on the individual and breed. Whiskers are shed and regrown periodically in most animals, ensuring their effectiveness as sensory organs. Overall, whiskers are an integral part of the anatomical and sensory adaptations that enable animals to interact with their surroundings.

2. Bushy tufts of hair on the cheeks of a man.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for WHISKERS *

• wiskers 100%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for WHISKERS

• whiskets
• whiskys
• wisker
• whisphers
• whishers
• whises
• wiskeys
• whisckers
• whispes
• whisels
• whiskes
• whiskerss
• whickers
• Whiskeis
• whiskies
• whickerrs
• whisquers
• whifiers
• Wiskfern
• whinkers
• bwhiskerd

Etymology of WHISKERS

The word "whiskers" originated from the Middle English term "wisker" which meant "anything that whisks or sweeps". It is derived from the verb "whisk" which came from the Old Norse word "visk" meaning "anything that is moved quickly". Over time, "whiskers" evolved to specifically refer to the hairs or bristles that grow on the face of certain animals, especially cats.

Idioms with the word WHISKERS

• be the cat's whiskers The idiom "be the cat's whiskers" means to be exceptionally good, impressive, or outstanding in a particular context.
• cat's whiskers The idiom "cat's whiskers" refers to something or someone that is highly regarded, outstanding, or excellent. It is often used to express admiration or praise for a person or thing.
• the cat's whiskers The idiom "the cat's whiskers" is an expression used to describe someone or something that is deemed to be highly exceptional, impressive, or outstanding. It denotes a sense of superiority or being at the pinnacle of excellence. It derives from the idea that a cat's whiskers are a unique and distinctive feature that significantly contributes to its perception and abilities.
• have grown whiskers The idiom "have grown whiskers" is a figurative expression that means someone or something has become outdated, old-fashioned, or obsolete. It can also imply that an idea, concept, or way of doing things has become stale or no longer relevant in the current context.
• have whiskers The idiom "have whiskers" refers to something or someone being very old, outdated, or no longer relevant in a given context or situation. It suggests that the idea, practice, or object is as old as having whiskers on one's face, implying it is no longer fresh or in touch with current trends or developments.
• be the cat’s whiskers/pyjamas The idiom "be the cat's whiskers/pyjamas" means to be considered the best or most impressive of its kind. It is used to describe someone or something that is highly regarded or praised by others.
• the cat's whiskers/pyjamas The idiom "the cat's whiskers/pyjamas" is used to describe something or someone exceptional, outstanding, or top-notch. It refers to someone or something that is considered the best or superior in some way compared to others.

Plural form of WHISKERS is WHISKERS