burr

¹burr

noun \ˈbər\

Definition of BURR

1

usually bur a : a rough or prickly envelope of a fruit b : a plant that bears burs

2

a : something that sticks or clings <a burr in the throat> b : hanger-on

3

: an irregular rounded mass; especially : a tree burl

4

: a thin ridge or area of roughness produced in cutting or shaping metal

5

a : a trilled uvular \r\ as used by some speakers of English especially in northern England and in Scotland b : a tongue-point trill that is the usual Scottish \r\

6

a : a small rotary cutting tool b usually bur : a bit used on a dental drill

7

: a rough humming sound : whir

— burred \ˈbərd\ adjective

Examples of BURR

1. a tool that can cut through steel leaving a smooth edge and no burrs
2. <heard the burr of a distant engine>

Origin of BURR

Middle English burre; akin to Old English byrst bristle — more at bristle

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to BURR

Synonyms: hum, buzz, chirr, churr, drone, purr, thrum, whir (also whirr), whiz (or whizz), zoom

Related Words: babble, coo, gasp, gurgle, hiss, moan, murmur, rustle, sigh, suspiration, susurration, susurrus, whisper; whish, zing, zip

Near Antonyms: bawl, howl, roar, scream, screech, shriek, squall, squeal, yelp, yell

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Rhymes with BURR

birr, blur, Burr, chirr, churr, cur, curr, err, fir, for, fur, her, knur, murre, myrrh, per, purr, shirr, sir, skirr, slur, spur, stir, thir, whir, your