wig

Pronunciation: /wɪɡ/ (American English)

Origin: Mid-17th century, short for "periwig," from French "perruque," ultimately from Italian "perrucca," possibly from Late Latin "piluccare" (to pluck hair).

Meanings:

1. A covering for the head made of real or artificial hair, worn to disguise baldness or for theatrical purposes.
2. (Informal) A person's own hair.

Example Sentences:

1. The actor wore a powdered wig to portray a character from the 18th century.
2. She decided to wear a wig during chemotherapy treatment to maintain her appearance.
3. (Informal) "Don't flip your wig!" means "Don't get upset!"

Related Words:

• Noun: wigmaker, wiglet (small wig or hairpiece)
• Verb: wigged (past tense), wigging (present participle)
• Adjective: wigged (wearing a wig)
• Synonyms: hairpiece, toupee, peruke, headdress

Memorizable Tricks:

• Think of "wig" as "Wearable Imitation Growth" for the head.
• Remember the phrase "Big wig" (an important person) to associate wigs with significance and status.
• Visualize a judge in a courtroom wearing a traditional white wig to connect the word with its historical and professional use.