barb
Plural
barbs
1
a sharp or pointed remark that is intended to criticize or upset someone
- Sarah couldn'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.
- Despite her attempts to maintain composure, Susan was stung by her coworker's barb about her recent promotion.
- Jake's barb about his friend's appearance left a sour atmosphere at the gathering.
- The comedian's jokes were often laced with barbs aimed at poking fun at societal norms.
2
one of the thin, hair-like structures branching from the main shaft of a bird's feather
- The barbs on the feather interlock to create a smooth surface.
- Scientists studied the microscopic structure of feather barbs.
- The colorful barbs give peacock feathers their iridescent effect.
- Birds preen to align their feather barbs for better flight.
- Damage to the barbs can affect a bird's ability to fly efficiently.
3
a sharp projection on an arrowhead, spear, or similar tool designed to make removal difficult
- The arrow's barb caused severe internal injury.
- Ancient hunters used spears with barbs for fishing.
- Removing a barb from the wound required surgery.
- The museum displayed a spear with multiple barbs.
- The design of the barb made the weapon more effective.
4
a sharp projection or point, typically found on wire fencing, designed to deter and hinder passage or intrusion
- 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.
- Farmers use wire with sharp barbs to keep livestock contained in pastures.
- The sharp barbs caught on the sleeves of his jacket as he climbed over the fence.
- The prisoner attempted to escape but was caught on the barbs of the perimeter fence.