burr

Meanings

Noun

• A sharp, pointy object, such as a sliver or splinter.
• A bur; a seed pod with sharp features that stick in fur or clothing.
• A small piece of material left on an edge after a cutting operation.
• 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.
• A broad iron ring on a tilting lance just below the grip, to prevent the hand from slipping.
• The ear lobe.
• The knot at the bottom of an antler.
• A revolving disk or cone with abrasive surfaces used to grind hard products in a grinder or mill.
• A rough humming sound.
• A uvular "r" sound, or an accent characterized by this sound.
• A metal ring at the top of the hand-rest on a spear.
• Alternate spelling of burl

Verb

• To pronounce with a uvular "r".
• To make a rough humming sound.

Origin

• From Middle English burre, perhaps related to Old English byrst. Cognate with Danish burre, borre, Swedish borre.
• , influenced by bur. Compare to French bruire
• Origin uncertain.
• From burl.