Hair
/hɛər/noun
A thread-like strand that grows from the skin of humans and animals.
Did you know?In many ancient cultures, hair was believed to hold spiritual energy, and cutting it could symbolize a loss of power or identity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kʲer
“to be curly or to grow, associated with the growth of hair.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χάρις (charis)
“grace or beauty, sometimes linked to hair as a symbol of allure.”
Old English
Old English
hæġ
“hair or bristle, referring to any growth on the skin.”
14th Century
Middle English
hair
“the fine, thread-like strands growing from the skin.”
Modern English
English
hair
“the filamentous projections from the skin of mammals.”