patches of facial hair extending from hairline to ears
Sideburns are patches of facial hair that grow on the sides of a man's face, extending from the hairline down to the area in front of the ears. They are named after American Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, who was known for his distinctive facial hair, which connected thick side whiskers with a mustache but left the chin clean-shaven. Sideburns can vary in length and thickness and are often styled to complement different facial shapes and hairstyles.