1. Stiff hairs or whisker-like sensory organs found on the faces of many mammals, particularly around the muzzle and eyes, used for tactile sensation and spatial awareness
The cat uses its vibrissae to navigate through narrow spaces in the dark.
O gato usa suas vibrissas para navegar por espaços estreitos no escuro.
2. In zoology, specialized tactile hairs with sensory nerve endings that detect minute changes in air movement and physical contact
Rodents rely heavily on their vibrissae for exploring their environment.
Os roedores dependem muito de suas vibrissas para explorar seu ambiente.