fur
UK[fɜː(r)]US[fɜːr]
n
The thick hair that covers the bodies of some animals
n
The skin of an animal with the fur still on it, used for making clothes or rugs
n
A piece of clothing, especially a coat or jacket, made from animal fur
n
A hard pale layer that forms on the inside of water pipes, kettles, etc.
Etymology
The word 'fur' entered Middle English from Old French forre or fuerre, meaning a sheath or case, which itself likely derived from a Germanic source. The semantic shift from a 'sheath' to 'animal hair' is thought to have occurred via the idea of a pelt or skin used as a lining or covering. This root is distantly related to the Old High German fōtar (sheath) and the Old Norse fóðr (lining), illustrating a common Germanic concept of a protective covering. Over time in English, the meaning specialized to refer primarily to the short, soft hair of certain animals, distinguishing it from longer 'hair' on humans or manes on horses.
Analysis
The word 'fur' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as a root noun.
Examples
The cat's fur was soft and silky.
She wore an expensive coat trimmed with fur.
The trapper traded furs at the trading post.