“Fur” vs. “Hair”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “fur” and “hair”

  • While both fur and hair serve insulation purposes, fur is generally denser and thicker than hair.
  • Hair is typically longer and more associated with humans, while fur is shorter and more associated with non-human mammals.
  • Unlike fur, hair serves aesthetic purposes for humans, such as styling and coloring.
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What is the definition of “fur” and “hair”?

Fur
  • Fur is a dense coat of soft hair that covers the skin of mammals, such as those with four legs and a tail.
  • It is used by animals as insulation, protection from external factors, and for camouflage purposes.
  • Fur is generally thicker, coarser, and typically shorter than hair.
Hair
  • Hair is a thin, filament-like structure that grows from follicles in the skin of mammals.
  • It is typically longer and finer than fur and can grow all over the body, including on the head, face, and limbs.
  • The primary function of hair is to regulate body temperature and provide sensory information to the body.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Hair” is the more popular variant on the web.
Fur
332,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The cat's fur was so soft and fluffy.
  2. I'm going to need a coat with extra fur lining for the winter.
  3. The hunter admired the majestic fur coat of the silver fox.
More popular
Hair
2,070,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. My hair is so tangled I can't even brush through it.
  2. The hair stylist recommended a hydrating treatment for my damaged hair.
  3. She twirled a strand of her hair around her finger, lost in thought.
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