First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1burr
noun \ˈbər\
: a rough covering of a nut or seed
: a rough area on a piece of metal that is left after the metal is cut
: a strong way of pronouncing r that is used by some speakers of English especially in northern England and in Scotland
Full 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
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Origin of BURR
Middle English burre; akin to Old English byrst bristle — more at bristle
Related to BURR
2burr
verb
Definition of BURR
intransitive verb
1
: to speak with a burr
2
: to make a whirring sound
transitive verb
1
: to pronounce with a burr
First Known Use of BURR
1798
Burr
biographical name \ˈbər\
Definition of BURR
Aaron 1756–1836 3d vice pres. of the United States (1801–05)
BURR[1] Defined for Kids
burr
Definition of BURR for Kids
variant of bur
Medical Dictionary
burr
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