Burr

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)

From Middle English burre, perhaps from Old English byrst ("bristle"), from Old Norse

Full definition of burr

Noun

1. A sharp, pointy object, such as a sliver or splinter.
2. A bur; a seed pod with sharp features that stick in fur or clothing.
3. A small piece of material left on an edge after a cutting operation.
• TomlinsonThe graver, in ploughing furrows in the surface of the copper, raises corresponding ridges or burrs.
4. A thin flat piece of metal, formed from a sheet by punching; a small washer put on the end of a rivet before it is swaged down.
5. A broad iron ring on a tilting lance just below the grip, to prevent the hand from slipping.
6. The earlobe.
7. The knot at the bottom of an antler.

Synonyms

• (kind of seed pod) sticker; bur

Derived terms

• deburr

Onomatopoeia, influenced by bur.

Noun

1. A rough humming sound.
2. A rolled "r".

Verb

1. (transitive) To pronounce with a rolled "r".
2. (intransitive) To make a rough humming sound.

Origin uncertain.

Noun

1. (obsolete) A metal ring at the top of the hand-rest on a spear.
• 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book XXI:And whan Sir Mordred felte that he had hys dethys wounde, he threste hymselff with the myght that he had upp to the burre of Kyng Arthurs speare; and ryght so he smote hys fadir ....

From burl

Noun

1. (British) Alternative spelling of burl