barb

• Substantiv mit mehreren Bedeutungen: eine verletzende oder kritische Bemerkung; ein spitzer Vorsprung an einem Gegenstand wie Stacheldraht oder einer Pfeilspitze; oder ein Seitenzweig an einer Feder.

A noun with multiple meanings: an aggressive or critical remark; a sharp projection on an object such as barbed wire or an arrowhead; or a filament projecting from a feather.

1. Aggressive remarkB2informal

   A sharp, critical, or insulting comment aimed at someone, often intended to hurt or provoke.

   Stichelei

   • She couldn't resist throwing a barb at his new haircut.
   • His speech was full of barbs directed at the opposition.
   • The comedian's barb about the politician drew laughter from the crowd.

   Synonymecutdiggibeinsultjeerjibesneertaunt

   Antonymecomplimentkindnesspraise

2. Pointed part of barbed wireB1formal

   A sharp, projecting point on a wire, designed to prevent passage or cause injury.

   Stachel

   • The fence was topped with wire that had sharp barbs.
   • He cut his hand on a barb while climbing over the fence.
   • The barbs on the wire glinted in the sunlight.

   Synonymeprongspikethorn

3. Arrowhead or spear pointC1formal

   A secondary point that faces backward from the main tip of an arrow or spear, making extraction difficult.

   Widerhaken

   • The arrow had a barb that lodged firmly in the target.
   • Ancient hunters used barbs to ensure their spears stayed in the prey.
   • The barb on the harpoon prevented the fish from escaping.

   Synonymepointprongspikespur

4. Feather filamentC2formalscientific

   One of the small, parallel branches extending from the central shaft of a feather.

   Federstrahl

   • Each barb on the feather interlocked to create a smooth surface.
   • The bird preened its feathers, aligning the barbs carefully.
   • Under the microscope, the barbs of the feather appeared like tiny hooks.

   Synonymeramus

• Mit Widerhaken oder Zähnen versehen; eine scharfe, kritische oder spitze Bemerkung machen.

A verb meaning to provide with a barb or barbs, or to make a sharp, critical remark.

1. To provide with barbsC1formal

   To fit or equip something with sharp projections or points.

   Mit Widerhaken versehen

   • The blacksmith barbed the arrowheads for hunting.
   • They barbed the wire to prevent animals from escaping.
   • The craftsman carefully barbed the spear tip.

2. To make a sharp or critical remarkC1informal

   To direct a cutting or sarcastic comment at someone.

   Spitze

   • She barbed him with a sarcastic comment about his work.
   • The politician barbed his opponent during the debate.
   • He barbed his friend for being late again.

   Synonymegibeinsultmockneedleprovokesneersnipetaunt