noun
burr
A rough edge or small projection left by cutting or machining.
A sharp burr remains along the edge of the cut metal.
Etymology
The older word names a prickly seed case. Its rough, catching points supplied an image for small unwanted projections left on metal or other worked material.
More examples
- She files the burr off the freshly cut pipe.
- Check the drilled holes for burrs before inserting the bolts.
- A tiny burr on the bracket catches my sleeve.
Forms
burr · burrs
deburr verb — To remove rough edges left by machining.
Similar words
- projection
- Any protruding part, not necessarily an unwanted machining remnant.
- ridge
- A raised line, not necessarily sharp or caused by cutting.