noun
burr
A low, rough or rolling sound, especially in speech.
A low burr gives his otherwise gentle voice a rough edge.
Etymology
An imitative word for a rough vibration. Bur is a spelling variant in this sound sense; the prickly seed case has a separate history.
More examples
- She speaks with a gentle burr, rolling her r's.
- The quiet burr of the motor fills the workshop.
- Even over the phone, I recognize the familiar burr in his voice.
Forms
burr · burrs