underfur

Thân thiện

A rabbit's warm underfur keeps it insulated in winter.

Definition

Noun: 1. The dense, soft layer of fur beneath the longer, coarser outer hairs of a mammal: Underfur is the thick, woolly, and often water-resistant hair that grows closest to an animal's skin. Its primary function is insulation, trapping air to keep the animal warm.

Usage

Underfur is a specific zoological term. It is typically used when discussing animal biology, adaptations, or the properties of fur in species like otters, beavers, seals, and many other mammals with a dual-layer coat. It is an uncountable noun.

Examples

• The underfur of a sea otter is so dense that it prevents water from reaching the animal's skin.
• Trappers valued beaver pelts primarily for the soft, thick underfur used in making felt hats.
• During winter, many mammals develop a thicker layer of underfur for added warmth.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific description: The term is used to contrast the two main types of mammalian hair: the protective and the insulating .
  • The study focused on the insulating properties of the arctic fox's underfur compared to its guard hairs.

Variants and Related Words

• Undercoat (noun): A common synonym for underfur, especially when referring to domestic animals like dogs.
• Guard hair (noun): The longer, stiffer outer layer of hair that protects the underfur from moisture and wear.

Synonyms

• Undercoat
• Down
• Ground hair

Antonyms

• Guard hair
• Outer coat

Học thuật

Noun

1. thick soft fur lying beneath the longer and coarser guard hair

Từ đồng nghĩa

• undercoat