whisker

Meaning

Noun

• That part of the beard which grows upon the sides of the face, usually of the male, or upon the chin, or upon both.
• A hair of the beard.
• One of the long, projecting hairs growing at the sides of the mouth of a cat, or other animal.
• The (very small) distance between two things.
• Spreaders from the bows to spread the bowsprit shrouds.
• A graphic element that shows the maxima and minima in a box plot.
• One who, or that which, whisks, or moves with a quick, sweeping motion.
• A small tendril that forms on metal.

Origin

• Middle English wisker, whisk + -er