whisker

• Nom désignant un poil long et raide poussant sur le museau ou au-dessus des sourcils de la plupart des mammifères, comme le chat, ou utilisé au sens figuré pour désigner une très petite distance ou un très petit espace.

A noun referring to a long, stiff hair growing from the snout or brow of most mammals, such as a cat, or used figuratively to mean a very small distance or space.

1. A very small distance or spaceB2informal

   A very small amount or margin, often used in phrases like 'by a whisker'.

   Très petite marge ou distance

   • He missed the target by a whisker.
   • The car passed the finish line by a whisker.
   • She won the race by a whisker.

   Synonymesfractioniotajotscintillashadesmidgeontouchtracetrifle

2. Long stiff hair on mammalsA2formal

   A long, stiff hair growing from the snout or brow of most mammals, such as a cat.

   vibrisse

   • The cat's whiskers twitched as it smelled the fish.
   • A mouse uses its whiskers to navigate in the dark.
   • The lion's whiskers are sensitive to touch.

   Synonymesvibrissa

• Nom désignant les poils longs et raides sur le museau d'un animal, ou verbe signifiant bouger ou toucher légèrement.

A noun referring to the long, stiff hairs growing on the face of an animal, or a verb meaning to move or brush lightly.

1. Furnish with whiskersC1formal

   To provide or equip with whiskers, typically referring to animals or decorative items.

   Munir de moustaches

   • The artist whiskered the cat in the painting to make it look more realistic.
   • Some breeds of dogs are naturally whiskered.
   • The costume designer whiskered the mask for the theatrical performance.