glabrous

Definition

Smooth and hairless, often used to describe the surface of insects or parts of their anatomy.

Etymology

From Latin 'glaber', meaning 'smooth' or 'bald'.

Example

The abdomen of the beetle was glabrous, lacking any hairs or scales.

Synonyms

• Smooth
• Bald
• Hairless

Related Terms

• Pubescent
• Setose
• Villose

Usage Notes

The term is typically used to contrast parts of an insect that are smooth against those that may be hairy, scaly, or otherwise textured.