n.
- a whirring sound.
▸a rough pronunciation of the letter r, as in some regional accents.
-
(also bur)
a rough edge left on a metal object by the action of a tool.
-
(also bur)
a small drill used in woodworking, dentistry, or surgery.
- a siliceous rock used for millstones.
▸a whetstone.
-
(also bur)
a prickly seed case or flower head that clings to clothing and animal fur.
-
(also bur)
[as modifier]
denoting wood containing a pattern of dense swirls in the grain.
- the coronet of a deer's antler.
v.
- make a whirring sound.
▸speak with a burr.
- form a rough edge on (metal).
Etymology
ME: prob. of Scand. origin; the accent sense is prob. imitative.