noun
bur
An unwanted rough edge or small projection on material.
A sharp bur remains along the freshly cut metal edge.
Etymology
The older word names a prickly seed case. A rough projection left on worked material resembles its catching points, giving the unwanted edge the same name.
More examples
- He filed away the bur before handling the part.
- The fabric caught on a tiny bur.
- Inspect the drilled hole for unwanted burs.
Forms
bur · burs
Similar words
- ridge
- Any raised line, while a bur is typically an unwanted rough remnant.