Widow's peak

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A young Iranian woman with a widow's peak
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Widow's peak

A widow's peak (widow's brow) is a descending V-shaped point in the middle of the hairline (above the forehead). The trait is inherited genetically and is dominant.[1] The term comes from English folklore, where it was believed that this hair formation was a sign of a woman who would outlive her husband.[1]

The peak refers to the beak or bill of a headdress, particularly a widow's hood, making people think a woman was being given a mourning hood for her husband's soon-to-be passing.[2]

Vampires such as Dracula are often depicted in popular culture with a widow's peak. Hannibal Lecter is described as possessing a widow's peak.

Men with male-pattern baldness develop what appears to be a large widow's peak.

See also:

References

  1. Campbell, Neil (2005). Biology. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings. pp. pp. 265. Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (help)

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