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Barb
01
a sharp or pointed remark that is intended to criticize or upset someone
Examples
Sarah could n't help but feel hurt by Tom 's barb about her cooking skills during the dinner party.
The politician responded to the reporter 's barb with a sarcastic remark of his own.
02
one of the thin, hair-like structures branching from the main shaft of a bird's feather
Examples
The barbs on the feather interlock to create a smooth surface.
Scientists studied the microscopic structure of feather barbs.
03
a sharp projection on an arrowhead, spear, or similar tool designed to make removal difficult
Examples
The arrow 's barb caused severe internal injury.
Ancient hunters used spears with barbs for fishing.
04
a sharp projection or point, typically found on wire fencing, designed to deter and hinder passage or intrusion
Examples
The barbs on the fence were an effective deterrent against trespassers.
He got a small cut on his arm from brushing against a barb while climbing over the fence.
to barb
01
to equip something, such as a weapon, hook, or wire, with sharp projections
Transitive: to barb sth
Examples
The craftsman barbed the fishing hooks to secure the catch.
They barbed the wire to make the fence harder to cross.
