Bur: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒพ
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bur

 

[ bษœหr ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

botanical term

A bur is a seed or a dry fruit that has spines, hooks, or barbs, which allows it to attach to animal fur or clothing. This adaptation helps in the dispersal of seeds as the bur travels to new locations. Bur plants are often found in grasslands and are typically considered weeds. They play a role in the ecosystem by providing food for certain animals and insect larvae.

Synonyms

hitchhiker, prickly seed, spiny fruit

Examples of usage

  • The dog came back covered in burs.
  • Children often collect burs during their outdoor adventures.
  • Some plants use burs to spread their seeds.
Context #2 | Verb

to attach

To bur means to become attached to something, typically in reference to the way a bur attaches itself to an animal's fur or a person's clothing. This verb form is less commonly used than the noun form but is still recognized in biological contexts. It emphasizes the action of clinging or adhering.

Synonyms

attach, cling, stick

Examples of usage

  • The burrs bur into my pants while walking through the field.
  • If you are not careful, burs can bur into your hair.
  • They bur on to unsuspecting hikers.

Translations

Translations of the word "bur" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bur

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Burg

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bur

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑัƒั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bur

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒใƒผใƒ–

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท bur

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bur

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฒ„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจูˆุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bur

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bur

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆดž

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bur

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑาฑั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bur

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ bur

Etymology

The word 'bur' originates from the Old English term 'burra,' which referred to a rough, prickly seed. This is related to the Proto-Germanic word '*buraz,' which also referred to a thorn or prick. Over time, the meaning of 'bur' evolved to describe the spiny seed formations we recognize today. The term was adopted into Middle English, maintaining its focus on the burr's characteristics and its role in seed dispersal. The adaptability and ecological importance of burs have made them a topic of interest in botany, and they are often used as a model for studying plant mechanisms of seed dispersal. Today, 'bur' is widely recognized in the context of both botany and everyday life, especially in relation to outdoor activities.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,303, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.