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| barb [ baarb ] |
noun (plural barbs) |
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1. pointed tip: a sharp point facing away from the head of an arrow, fishhook, or harpoon, designed to make it difficult to remove
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2. hurtful comment: a wounding remark
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3. zoology part of feather: a stiff spine that forms the framework of a feather. The barbs stick out on each side of the main shaft.
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4. zoology whisker on animal's head: a growth on an animal's head like a beard or whisker
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5. botany bristle of plant: a hooked projection on some plants and fruits
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6. (plural barbs or barb) fish aquarium fish: a small fish often kept in aquariums. Genera Barbus, Puntius.
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7. dress medieval headdress: a white cloth headdress covering the chin and throat, worn by women in the Middle Ages
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transitive verb (past and past participle barbed, present participle barb·ing, 3rd person present singular barbs) |
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| Definition: |
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fit something with barb: to provide something with a barb or barbs
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| [14th century. Via Old French barbe "beard, appendage like a beard" < Latin barba "beard"] |
