rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryfurSoft animal hair
noun

fur

FUR/fɜːr/

The soft, thick hair of a mammal.

Soft, fluffy fur covers the rabbit's cheeks, chest, and flanks.

A single fluffy rabbit in three-quarter view, with its soft fur clearly visible along its cheeks, chest, and flanks.
Etymology
furOld Frenchto cover, line clothing

Probably from Old French fourrer, 'to cover or line clothing,' fur first referred to garment trimming or lining. The name then shifted to the animal hair or pelt used as that material.

In context

Animal Fact Files1:50
some species are caught specifically for their soft, bushy fur.
Marten Facts: CUTE but DEADLY | Animal Fact Files

More examples

  • Our rabbit sheds fur all over the couch.
  • She gently brushes the tangles out of the dog's fur.
  • The fox has reddish fur and a white chest.

Forms

fur

furry adjective — Covered with soft, thick animal hair.

Similar words

hair
A broader term that includes human and sparse animal hair.
coat
Refers to an animal's entire covering of hair or fur.