A widow's peak is a distinct point in the hairline in the center of the forehead. This hair anomaly is a result of a lower-than-usual position of the intersection of the bilateral periorbital fields of hair-growth suppression on the forehead.
Definition
A widow's peak is a distinct point in the hairline in the center of the forehead;[1] it is a dominant inherited trait,[2] and typically does not skip generations.[3] There are varying degrees of the peak.[3] People who do not have a widow's peak have a hairline that runs straight across.[3]
Etymology
The term stems from the belief that hair growing to a point on the forehead – suggestive of the peak of a widow's hood – is an omen of early widowhood.[4] The use of peak in relation to hair dates from 1833.[5] The expression widow's peak dates from 1849.[5] The use of peak may refer to the beak or bill of a headdress, particularly the distinctive hood with a pointed piece in front – a biquoquet[6] – which widows wore as a hood of mourning dating from 1530.[5] Another explanation for the origin of the phrase suggests that it may be related to the mourning caps worn as early as the 16th century. A mourning cap or Mary Stuart Cap is a cap which features a very distinctive triangular fold of cloth in the middle of the forehead, creating an artificial widow's peak. The use of peak referring to a point in the cloth covering the forehead dates to at least 1509 when it appears in Alexander Barclay’s The Shyp of Folys:
And ye Jentyl wymen whome this lewde vice doth blynde Lased on the backe: your peakes set a loft.[7]
Causes
The widow's peak hair anomaly is interpreted as being the result of a lower-than-usual position of intersection of the bilateral periorbital fields of hair-growth suppression on the forehead.[8] This can occur because the periorbital fields of hair-growth suppression are smaller than usual, or because they are widely spaced.[8] Wide spacing also explains the association between ocular hypertelorism - that is, the eyes being abnormally far apart - and widow's peak;[8] this was suggested by findings in an unusual case of ocular hypertelorism in which surrounding scalp-hair growth was suppressed by an ectopic (displaced) eye.[9]
In popular culture
A number of fictional people have a widow's peak.[10] In stories and on film this trait is often associated with a villain;[11] Count Dracula is an example.[10] Eddie Munster – from the television program "The Munsters" – also had this distinctive hairline.[10] Another villain depicted as having widow's peak hair is The Joker from "Batman" comic books and films.[10] Hannibal Lecter is described as having one in the novels that feature his story.[10] Villainous Natasha Fatale from "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show" has a widow's peak.[10]
References
- ^ "Dominant and Recessive Traits". Retrieved April 21, 2010.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "Human Traits: autosomal". Introductory Biology I Lab Projects. Retrieved April 21, 2010.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ a b c Dougherty, Kristiann (September 12, 2007). "Genetics - widow's peak". Retrieved April 22, 2010.
- ^ Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved April 21, 2010.
- ^ a b c Expressions & Sayings:W. Retrieved April 21, 2010.
- ^ Randle Cotgrave (1776). "A French and English dictionary". Anthony Dolle (Golden Ball). Retrieved 11 December 2011.
- ^ Wilton, David. Wordorigins.org. Retrieved April 21, 2010.
- ^ a b c Hall, Judith G.; Allanson, Judith; Gripp, Karen; Slavotinek, Anne (2007). Handbook of physical measurements. Oxford medical publications. p. 336. ISBN 0195301498, 9780195301496.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: invalid character (help) - ^ Smith, D.W.; Cohen, M.M. (November 17, 1973). "Widow's Peak Scalp-Hair Anomaly and its Relation to Ocilar Hyperthelorism". The Lancet. 302 (7838): 1127.
- ^ a b c d e f Template:Cite article
- ^ Villainous Vidows Peak at TV Tropes