What does pilosity mean?
Pilosity is a formal noun meaning the state or condition of being hairy, or the degree and distribution of hair on an organism or part of the body. It is especially used in biological and medical writing, where it can describe a characteristic feature of a species or refer to unusually abundant hair growth. The word is more precise than the everyday term “hairiness,” but it should not automatically be understood as a medical condition. For example, a zoologist might use pilosity to distinguish one insect from another, while a clinician might use it when discussing excessive body hair. Its Latinate character gives it a technical tone and makes it especially suitable for formal descriptions, research literature, and comparative discussions of hairy covering or hair distribution. Although uncommon in general speech, it is useful vocabulary for discussing morphology, physical characteristics, and the presence or pattern of hair.
nounThe state or condition of being pilose, especially of having hair or a hairy covering. In biological or medical contexts, it may refer to the presence, distribution, or degree of hair growth, including unusually abundant hair.
- The condition or degree of being hairy, particularly the presence or distribution of hair on an organism or body.
"The naturalist described the animal by its unusual pilosity and the pattern of its coat."
"The species can be recognized by the pilosity of its thorax and the distinctive arrangement of its setae."
"The clinician evaluated excessive pilosity and considered several possible underlying causes."
Rare; the word is normally used in the singular in technical prose.
"The comparison noted differences in pilosities among the specimens."
From Latin pilus, meaning “hair,” pilosity is the polished Latinate way to say “hairiness.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pilosity come from?
The English word comes from Latin pilositas, a noun formed from pilosus, meaning “hairy” or “covered with hair.” Pilosus derives from pilus, the Latin word for “hair,” which also underlies related forms such as pilose and depilate. The word was borrowed into English with its learned Latin character and is now primarily used in technical and descriptive contexts.
How pilosity is actually used
Rare and relatively formal or technical. It is more typical of biological, medical, and descriptive writing than of everyday conversation, and it does not by itself imply that hair growth is abnormal.
Easily confused with pilosity
Pilosity is a noun naming the condition of being hairy, whereas pilose is an adjective meaning covered with hair or having a hairy surface.