Barblet

/ˈbɑrblɪt/ noun

Definition

A very small barb or beard-like projection; a diminutive form of barb.

Etymology

From 'barb' plus the diminutive suffix '-let,' meaning 'small,' as in 'booklet' or 'piglet.'

Kelly Says

Barblets demonstrate how English creates size hierarchies with diminutive suffixes—a barb becomes a barblet becomes a barbicel, each getting progressively tinier until we reach microscopic feather structures.

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