Barbwire: meaning, definitions and examples
🛡️
barbwire
[ bɑːrb waɪər ]
fencing, security
Barbed wire is a type of fencing wire that has sharp edges or points arranged at intervals along the strands. This design makes it difficult for animals and people to traverse, providing a barrier to entry. It is commonly used in agricultural settings as well as for security purposes around prisons and military installations.
Synonyms
barbed strand, razor wire, wire fencing.
Examples of usage
- The farmer installed barbed wire to keep out wild animals.
- The prison yard was surrounded by high walls topped with barbed wire.
- He carefully avoided the barbed wire while hiking near the field.
Translations
Translations of the word "barbwire" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fio desencapado
🇮🇳 बंकर तार
🇩🇪 Drahtzaun
🇮🇩 kawat berduri
🇺🇦 колючий дріт
🇵🇱 drut kolczasty
🇯🇵 バーブワイヤー
🇫🇷 fil de fer barbelé
🇪🇸 alambre de púa
🇹🇷 tel örgüsü
🇰🇷 쇠사슬
🇸🇦 سلك شائك
🇨🇿 ostnatý drát
🇸🇰 ostrý drôt
🇨🇳 带刺铁丝
🇸🇮 bodljikav žica
🇮🇸 snúruvörður
🇰🇿 тұзақ сым
🇬🇪 კაწრული ვალი
🇦🇿 tikanlı tel
🇲🇽 alambre de púa
Etymology
The term 'barbed wire' is derived from its construction; the word 'barb' comes from the Latin 'barba,' meaning beard, which refers to the pointed protrusions that resemble the 'barbs' of a fishhook. Barbed wire was invented in the mid-19th century and became a crucial development in fencing methods. It allowed farmers to protect their crops and livestock in a cost-effective manner. Initially, it faced skepticism regarding its effectiveness, but it quickly gained popularity and was instrumental in the agricultural development of the American West. Over time, its uses expanded beyond agriculture to include military fortifications and prison security, solidifying its position as a versatile and robust barrier.