barb
/bɑrb/
noun
- A sharp point projecting backward from the tip of an arrow, fishhook, or similar object, making it difficult to pull out.
- The fishhook had a barb that kept the fish from escaping.
- He carefully removed the barb from the arrow before storing it.
- The barb on the wire fence caught my sleeve as I walked by.
- A cutting or sarcastic remark.
- He couldn't help but flinch at the barb in her voice.
- Her comment was a barb aimed at his careless attitude.
- The politician's speech was full of barbs directed at his opponent.
- A small, hair-like structure on the shaft of a feather, part of the vane.
- A damaged barb can affect a bird's ability to fly properly.
- Under the microscope, the barbs of the feather looked like tiny hooks.
- The bird preened its feathers, smoothing each barb into place.
Antonyms
verb
- To provide with a barb or barbs.
- They barbed the wire to make the fence more secure.
- The fisherman barbed his hooks before heading out to sea.
- The craftsman carefully barbed the arrowheads for hunting.