SKIP TO CONTENT

glabrous

/ˈgleɪbrəs/
IPA guide

The term glabrous describes surfaces that are smooth and free of hair, fur, or other types of fuzz. While most mammals are covered with hair or fur, some mammals, like adult dolphins, have glabrous skin.

You might describe a shiny apple or a naked mole-rat as glabrous. In botany, a leaf without any tiny hairs or fuzz is considered glabrous. Similarly, a person with a freshly shaved head has a glabrous scalp. The word comes from the Latin word glaber, meaning "smooth or bald." This term is often used in both botany and anatomy to describe organic surfaces that are completely smooth and hairless.

Definitions of glabrous
  1. adjective
    having no hair or similar growth; smooth
    glabrous stems”
    glabrous leaves”
    “a glabrous scalp”
    synonyms:
    hairless
    having no hair or fur
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘glabrous'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family