capilli

Capilli is a Latin term that appears in two common grammatical senses. It is the nominative plural of capillus, meaning “hairs,” and it is also the genitive singular form, meaning “of the hair.” In Latin, capillus is a masculine noun of the second declension; its full paradigm includes capilli (nominative plural), capillos (accusative plural), capillorum (genitive plural), and capilli (genitive singular). Because capilli is the identical form for the nominative plural and the genitive singular, its precise meaning is determined by context.

In classical Latin, capillus and its various forms describe hair on the head or body and are used in descriptions of hair color, texture, or grooming. The term is more common in scholarly, historical, or linguistic discussions of Latin than in everyday English.

Etymology and descendants: capillus derives from Latin and gives rise to the English root capill- found in many scientific terms. Words such as capillary, capillarity, and capilliform derive from the same root, reflecting the hair-like or slender, thread-like quality that the original word conveys.

See also: capillus, capillarity, capilliform, capillaceous, capillary.