Langimage
English

burr

|burr|

B2

🇺🇸

/bɜr/

🇬🇧

/bɜː/

rough or prickly

Etymology
Etymology Information

'burr' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'burre', where it referred to a rough or prickly seed case.

Historical Evolution

'burre' transformed into the modern English word 'burr'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a rough seed case', but over time it evolved to include meanings related to tools and sounds.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a rough or prickly covering or shell of a seed or fruit.

The burrs stuck to my clothes as I walked through the field.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a small rotary cutting tool with a rough edge, used in dentistry or surgery.

The dentist used a burr to shape the filling.

Synonyms

Noun 3

a rough or rasping sound, especially in speech.

He spoke with a distinctive Scottish burr.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/03 14:12