Description
The fine soft hair or the hair-covered pelt of a non-human mammal. Fur can consist of one or two layers: underfur and guard hairs. The bottom layer, or underfur consists of short, soft, dense and often curly hairs. In some animals, the underfur is the only hair layer, such as in wool. In other animals,Some animals also have an unpper protective layer of guard hairs. The stiff long guard hairs stick out through the underfur and provide pigmentation and extra protection. Furs from some animals, such as sable, ermine, mink, raccoon, otter, skunk, beaver, seal, and fox, have been used to make, trim and line garments. Fur provides excellent insulation because of its ability to trap a layer of air among the fine hairs. The most prized furs come from animals in cold latitudes obtained during the winter season when the pelt is the fullest. Often furs on the market have been clipped and dyed to imitate other types of animals. A dyed fur is not as durable as a natural fur because the acids and mordants can weaken the skin and make it brittle. Starting in 1952 in the U.S., fur garments were required to have labels accurately labelling their species name and coutry of origin. Additionally, Canada, Russia, and most of the EU also require labelling of furs.
Synonyms and Related Terms
pelt; animal skin; pelage; pels (Dan.); Fell (Deut.); fourrure (Fr.); bont (Ned.); futro (Pol.); päls (Sven.); piel (Esp.); pele, pele com pêlo (Port.)
Hazards and Safety
Moisture decreases softness and flexibility.
Furs are susceptible to moths.
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Last updated on: 6/12/2009 5:49:09 PM
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