mane

You probably picture a lion first when you hear this word. It usually means the long hair that grows along the neck, or around the head and neck, of animals such as lions and horses. People also use it for a person with a lot of thick, flowing hair. In older historical use, it could also mean a crest of hair or feathers on a helmet. The word brings to mind strength, movement, and a slightly wild kind of beauty.

A mane is the long, thick hair that grows on the neck, or around the head and neck, of certain animals, especially lions and horses. In lions, it is often linked with protection and display. In horses, it is simply the strip of hair that grows along the top of the neck. The exact look and purpose can vary by animal, but the general idea is the same: a noticeable growth of long hair.

The word is also used in a figurative way for people. If someone has a thick mass of long hair, especially hair that looks full, dramatic, or a little wild, you might say they have a mane. This use is common in descriptive writing and everyday speech.

There is also an older historical use for the crest of horsehair, feathers, or similar material on a helmet. That sense is much less common today, but it appears in writing about armor, warfare, and costume.

So the word can point to an animal's neck hair, a person's thick flowing hair, or, in historical contexts, a helmet crest. In every case, it suggests something full, striking, and easy to notice.