rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryburrPrickly seed case
noun

burr

A prickly seed case that clings to clothing or fur.

A prickly burr clings to the fibers of a wool sock.

Close-up of prickly burdock seed cases caught firmly in the fibers of a plain wool sock, with visibly hooked spines demonstrating how they cling.
Etymology
burrMiddle Englishprickly seed case

The Middle English word already names the prickly seed case. Its catching surface is central to the familiar use, as the case grips passing fur or cloth.

In context

UnEarthed2:15
a fine steel burr stands up. During the third pass, the burr is fully drawn out and THE EDGE FINISHED.
Harvesting Wheat the Hard Way 100 Years Ago

More examples

  • We pick burrs out of the dog's fur after every hike.
  • A burr catches on my sleeve as I pass the weeds.
  • The hooks on burrs help plants spread their seeds.

Forms

burr · burrs

Similar words

bur
An alternate spelling for the same prickly seed case.
seedpod
A general seed container, not necessarily prickly or clinging.