hirsute
UK: ˈhɜː.sjuːt | US: ˈhɜːr.suːt
adj. covered with coarse or stiff hair; hairy
hirsute = hirs<hairy> + ute<adjective suffix>
- hirs (from Latin hirsutus, meaning "hairy, rough")
- ute (Latin-derived adjectival suffix, indicating a quality or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word "hirsute" traces back to Latin hirsutus, which originally described something shaggy or bristly. The root hirs- is linked to the Proto-Indo-European ghers- ("to bristle"), also seen in words like "horror" (via Latin horrere, "to bristle with fear"). Over time, hirsutus evolved into French hirsute before entering English in the 17th century, retaining its literal meaning of hairiness while often carrying a slightly formal or scientific tone.
The hirsute caterpillar crawled slowly across the leaf.
His hirsute chest was visible through the unbuttoned shirt.
Botanists noted the plant's hirsute stems, covered in tiny hairs.
The actor grew a hirsute beard for his role as a wilderness explorer.
Despite its hirsute appearance, the fruit was surprisingly sweet.