pelosity

English

Etymology

From Latin pilosus (“hairy”), from pilus (“hair”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /pɪˈlɒsəti/

Noun

pelosity (uncountable)

1. (formal) pilosity; hairiness
   • 1918-20, James Joyce, Ulysses

     To Bloom: the problems of irritability, tumescence, rigidity, reactivity, dimension, sanitariness, pelosity.

   • 1995, Anthony Burgess, Byrne:

     Sex, not in pornographic black and white, / But in bright hues – the rod’s monstrosity, / The opposed pudenda and their rich pelosity.

Usage notes

• The Oxford English Dictionary cites pelosity as an irregular form of pilosity.