Burr
/bɜːr/noun
A rough or prickly part of a seed or fruit, often clinging to clothing or fur.
Did you know?The word 'burr' shares roots with the old English term for 'to envelop', hinting at its nature of clinging tightly to whatever it touches.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bher-
“to carry, to bear; to produce or bring forth.”
Old English
OE
byrðe
“a burden or something that clings.”
Middle English
ME
burre
“a prickly seed case or something that clings.”
Modern English
English
burr
“a rough or prickly part of a seed or fruit.”