fur
[C/U] Both
pl: furs
This word carries a strong tactile association with warmth, softness, and luxury. In a biological sense, it describes a protective layer, but in a fashion context, it often evokes a tension between high-status glamour and ethical concerns regarding animal rights. While hair is a general term for any filament growing from the skin, fur specifically implies a density and plushness. It suggests a cohesive, insulating blanket rather than individual strands, creating a sensory image of depth and thickness.
Uncountable when describing the substance or the biological covering on an animal. Countable when referring to specific types of pelts or garments made from the material.