Burrs

/bɜrz/ noun

Definition

Plural of burr; prickly seedcases that cling to fur and clothing; also rough edges or the guttural sound.

Etymology

From Old English, possibly Scandinavian origin. Burr has multiple meanings: the seedcase, the sound, and the tool, all from the same root.

Kelly Says

Burrs are so effective at spreading seeds that they inspired Velcro—a Swiss engineer saw them stuck to his dog's fur and invented a hook-and-loop fastener!

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