coat
KOHT
/koʊt/
The hairy, woolly, or furry outer coverage of an animal's body.
Refers collectively to all hair covering an animal, indicating overall health through shine and density.
The story behind the word. Borrowed into English from Old French 'cote', which described an outer garment or tunic. By the 16th century, English speakers metaphorically extended the word to describe the natural fur or wool layer covering animals.
Word relationships
- fur: Fur refers specifically to soft fine hair, whereas coat encompasses the entire hair exterior.
- pelt: Pelt usually refers to skin and fur that has been removed from an animal.
- skin: Skin is the bare tissue layer underlying the fur coat.
Commonly confused with
- cape: A cape is a clothing garment worn over shoulders, while a coat is an animal's natural fur covering.
Word family
- coated (adjective): Covered with a layer of fur or material.
- coating (noun): An outer protective layer.
Collocations
- glossy coat
- double coat
- undercoat
- thick coat
Idioms & expressions
- coat of arms
Example sentences
- "A shiny, dense coat is usually a clear sign that a cat is receiving adequate nutrition." Animal health observation
Memory hook
A dog wears a built-in winter COAT made of soft fur. Nature's permanent overcoat.
When not to use
Do not confuse with human winter clothing when discussing animal biology, though the root concept is identical.
Fun facts
- Golden Retrievers have a double coat: a water-repellent topcoat and a dense insulating undercoat.
Related words
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