What does vellus mean?
Vellus is a technical term for fine, short, soft hair, most often referring to the lightly pigmented hairs that cover much of the human body. These hairs are much finer and less conspicuous than terminal hairs such as those of the scalp, beard, legs, and arms. Vellus also has a botanical sense, describing fine hairs on the surfaces of plants or plant organs. The word is used chiefly in medical, anatomical, and biological contexts rather than everyday conversation, although its familiar relative “peach fuzz” gives an accessible way to grasp the concept. In dermatology, the distinction between vellus and terminal hair is useful when describing hair growth, hair loss, or the effects of hormonal and developmental changes. Vellus is also occasionally encountered in discussions of skin texture and plant surfaces, where it conveys the presence of delicate, short hairs rather than bristles or structural projections.
nounVellus is a fine, short, soft hair growing on the skin, especially the lightly pigmented hair covering much of the human body. In botanical contexts, it can also refer to a fine hair on the surface of a plant or plant organ.
- A fine, short, soft hair on human skin, especially one of the lightly pigmented hairs covering much of the body.
- A fine, soft hair occurring on the surface of a plant or plant organ.
"The clinician explained that the vellus hair on her arms was entirely normal."
"The clinician explained that the vellus hair on her arms was entirely normal."
"The underside of the leaf was covered with fine, pale vellus."
The plural velli is used chiefly in technical biological writing.
"Several velli were visible around the edge of the skin sample."
Think of vellus as the body's fine “peach fuzz,” distinct from the thicker terminal hairs that cover the scalp, legs, and arms.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vellus come from?
Vellus comes from Latin vellus, an ancient word for fleece, wool, or hair. The English term was adopted for fine body hair and later extended to fine hairs on plants. Its relatives include vellum, originally a prepared animal skin, and the historically related words velum and wool.
How vellus is actually used
Chiefly a formal, technical term in medicine and biology. In clinical usage, it normally distinguishes fine body hair from thicker terminal hair; botanical usage is uncommon outside specialized writing.
Easily confused with vellus
Vellus is a fine hair on skin or a plant, whereas vellum is prepared animal skin traditionally used for writing.
A villus is a slender, fingerlike projection from a membrane, especially the intestinal lining, rather than a fine hair.