pelage

Everyday

(science, formal) The fur, hair or wool covering a mammal's body. tree →

In the lessons

A scientific word used by zoologists and in nature books: an Arctic fox's pelage turns white in winter and brown in summer. In lessons on adaptations, pelage helps animals keep warm and hide.

Examples

• The Arctic fox changes its pelage with the seasons. tree →
• A seal's thick pelage keeps it warm in icy water. tree →
• The scientist described the colour of the bat's pelage. tree →
• Polar bears have a dense pelage over black skin. tree →
• The pelage of a stoat turns white in winter, and it is then called ermine. tree →
• The new species has a reddish pelage. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Pronounced «PEL-ij». A formal science word; in everyday English we say fur or coat. Only mammals have pelage; birds have plumage.