What does pilar mean?
Pilar is a technical adjective meaning related to hair. It occurs in anatomy in the term pilar muscle, referring to the small arrector pili muscles attached to hair follicles. Their contraction raises the hair, producing the familiar effect commonly described as goosebumps. In dermatology, pilar cyst refers to a cyst associated with a hair follicle. The word is not used to mean “hairy” in ordinary conversation; instead, it identifies a biological structure or process connected with hair. Although it may initially resemble “pillar,” a pillar is an upright supporting column, while pilar always has a connection with hair. Pilar is consequently most often encountered in medical and scientific contexts rather than everyday speech.
adjectiveOf or relating to hair, especially to the hair follicles or the tiny muscles attached to them.
- Relating to hair, a hair follicle, or the muscle that raises a hair.
"The pilar muscles contract to raise the hairs on the skin."
"Cold air can trigger a reflex contraction of the pilar muscles."
"The condition was described as a pilar cyst arising from a hair follicle."
The tiny muscles that give you goosebumps are called pilar muscles because they act on hairs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pilar come from?
Pilar comes from Latin pilus, meaning “hair,” with the adjective formed in the manner of Latin derivatives in -āris. The same source underlies English words such as pile in its sense of hair, pilose, and pilosity. Its use in English is chiefly scientific, appearing in established anatomical and dermatological compounds.
How pilar is actually used
This is a rare technical adjective, chiefly used in anatomy, dermatology, and biology. It is more common in specialized writing than in general English.
Easily confused with pilar
Pilar relates to hair or hair follicles, whereas a pillar is a vertical architectural support.