noun
pubescence
A covering of fine, short hairs on a plant or animal.
Fine pubescence covers the stems and leaves of this plant.
Etymology
The Latin verb associates maturing with the appearance of body hair. Natural history uses the hair-growth part of that meaning for a fine covering on organisms.
More examples
- The leaf's pubescence feels soft to the touch.
- A hand lens reveals dense pubescence on the beetle's back.
- These young shoots lose their pubescence as they mature.
Forms
pubescent adjective — Covered with fine, short hairs.