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)
BURRED Defined for Kids
burr
Definition of BURR for Kids
variant of bur
Medical Dictionary
burr
Learn More About BURR
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