adjective
unshorn
un-SHORN/ˌʌnˈʃɔrn/
Not cut, clipped, or shaved.
The sheep's unshorn wool keeps it warm through winter.
Etymology
Shorn expresses the result of shearing, and un- denies that result: the hair or fleece remains uncut. The underlying adjective was used of shaven clerics before it was applied to sheep.
More examples
- His unshorn beard reaches the collar of his shirt.
- She wears her long, unshorn hair in a braid.
- Several sheep remain unshorn after the clippers break.
Forms
unshorn
Similar words
- uncut
- Applies more broadly to anything not cut or shortened.
- untrimmed
- Emphasizes that edges or excess growth have not been neatened.
- unshaven
- Specifically describes hair or skin left without shaving.