Background for barb

barb

/bɑː(ɹ)b/

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noun

The point that stands backward in an arrow, fishhook, etc., to prevent it from being easily extracted. Hence: Anything which stands out with a sharp point obliquely or crosswise to something else.

Examples :

"The fishing hook had a sharp barb that made it difficult for the fish to escape. "

part weapon technical point machine fish animal

Illustration barb - Image 1

noun

A hurtful or disparaging remark.

Examples :

"Her comment about my weight was a cruel barb that really hurt my feelings. "

communication language word statement

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noun

A beard, or that which resembles it, or grows in the place of it.

Examples :

"The goat had a scraggly barb under its chin. "

appearance body

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noun

Armor for a horse, corrupted from bard.

Examples :

"The museum displayed a piece of barb, specifically a metal plate that protected the horse's chest during medieval battles. "

military weapon animal history

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noun

Examples :

"The rancher preferred his Barb for her speed and endurance on the trail. "

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noun

One of the side branches of a feather, which collectively constitute the vane.

Examples :

"The scientist examined the eagle feather, carefully noting the interlocking structure of each barb that made up the vane. "

biology anatomy bird animal part

Illustration barb - Image 1

noun

Any of various species of freshwater carp-like fish that have barbels and belong to the cyprinid family.

Examples :

"The pet store sold a variety of fish, including the rosy barb, a colorful and active member of the carp family. "

fish animal biology

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noun

Menticirrhus americanus (Carolina whiting, king whiting, southern kingcroaker, and southern kingfish), found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States.

Examples :

"While fishing off the coast of Florida, we caught a Carolina whiting, also known as a barb, and grilled it for dinner. "

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noun

A hair or bristle ending in a double hook.

Examples :

"The artist used tiny metal barbs to create texture in the sculpture. "

animal part biology

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noun

A blackish or dun variety of the pigeon, originally brought from Barbary.

Examples :

"The pigeon fancier showed off his prized barb, its dark plumage gleaming in the afternoon sun. "

Illustration barb - Image 1

noun

A muffler, worn by nuns and mourners.

Examples :

"During the silent procession, the mourners' faces were mostly hidden by the dark fabric of their barbs. "

Illustration barb - Image 1

noun

Paps, or little projections, of the mucous membrane, which mark the opening of the submaxillary glands under the tongue in horses and cattle. The name is mostly applied when the barbs are inflamed and swollen. [Written also barbel and barble.]

Examples :

"The veterinarian examined the cow's mouth and noticed redness around the barb, indicating a possible infection in the submaxillary gland. "

animal anatomy medicine physiology disease organism body

Illustration barb - Image 1

noun

A bit for a horse.

Examples :

"The old farm used a simple snaffle barb on its gentlest mare. "

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noun

A plastic fastener, shaped roughly like a capital I (with serifs), used to attach socks etc. to their packaging.

Examples :

"The cashier carefully snipped the barb holding the new socks together before putting them in the bag. "

item thing utility material

Illustration barb - Image 1

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verb

To furnish with barbs, or with that which will hold or hurt like barbs, as an arrow, fishhook, spear, etc.

Examples :

"The fisherman used a special tool to barb the hook, making it more likely to catch a fish. "

weapon technical machine

Illustration barb - Image 1

verb

To cover a horse in armor, corrupted from bard.

Examples :

"While knights no longer barb their steeds for battle, historical reenactors meticulously barb their horses before tournaments to accurately portray medieval warfare. "

military animal history

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verb

Examples :

"My dad asked the barber to barb his hair short on the sides. "

appearance style

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verb

To shave or dress the beard of.

Examples :

"The barber will barb your beard into a stylish goatee. "

appearance body human

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verb

To clip; to mow.

Examples :

"The groundskeeper will barb the grass along the sidewalk tomorrow to keep it neat. "

agriculture action

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noun

The Barbary horse, a superior breed introduced from Barbary into Spain by the Moors.

Examples :

"The Andalusian horse often displays the stamina and intelligence inherited from its ancestor, the Barb. "

animal history race

Illustration barb - Image 1

noun

A blackish or dun variety of pigeon, originally brought from Barbary.

Examples :

"My grandfather used to have a pet barb pigeon. "

Illustration barb - Image 1

noun

Examples :

""The doctor prescribed a low dose of barb to help the patient sleep." "