bur meaning: definition, etymology

bur

noun

US /bɝ/ · AU, UK /bɜː/

Etymology From Middle English burre, of unknown origin but probably from North Germanic (Scandinavian) source or from Old English byrst (“bristle”). See also burr. Compare English bristle, Danish burre (“bur, burdock”), Norwegian borre, Swedish borre, and Old Norse burst (“bristle”).

A rough, prickly husk around the seeds or fruit of some plants.

Any of several plants having such husks.

A rotary cutting implement having a selection of variously shaped heads.

Alternative Alternative form of burr (“small piece of material”).

Derived terms: beach bur, buffalo bur, buffalo-bur, buffalo-bur nightshade, bur block, burdock, burfish, burgrass, burlike, bur marigold, bur oak, bur-reed, burry, burseed, burweed, butterbur, cocklebur, sandbur