from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Vibrissa \Vi*bris"sa\, n.; pl. {Vibrissae}. [L. vibrissae, pl.,
the hairs in the nostrils of man, fr. vibrare to vibrate; --
so called because touching them tickles a person, and causes
him to shake his head.]
1. (Anat.) One of the specialized or tactile hairs which grow
about the nostrils, or on other parts of the face, in many
animals, as the so-called whiskers of the cat, and the
hairs of the nostrils of man.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Zool.) The bristlelike feathers near the mouth of many
birds.
[1913 Webster]