Long hairs growing from the cheeks or upper lip, or the sensitive hairs on an animal's face.
From Middle English 'wisker', possibly derived from 'whisk' (to sweep or brush), describing how whiskers stick out from the face. The exact origin is uncertain but likely relates to movement.
Whiskers on cats and mice are actually sensory organs called vibrissae that help them navigate in darkness by detecting air movement—they're not just decoration, they're almost like external antennas. A cat without whiskers is genuinely disoriented, like losing your sense of balance.
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