barbed

Everyday

1. Barbed means having barbs — small sharp hooks or points pointing backwards, which make something hard to pull out, like a fish hook. tree →
2. A barbed remark is a comment that is unkind and meant to hurt. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety: barbed wire is a fence wire with sharp twisted points, used around farms and building sites — do not climb over or through it, it cuts skin and clothes. In science, some animals and plants have barbed parts: bee stings, porcupine quills, burrs that stick to fur. In stories, «barbed» comments show hidden meanness. Phrases: barbed wire, barbed hook, a barbed remark, barbed sting.

Examples

• Stay away from the barbed wire fence. tree →
• A honeybee's sting is barbed, so it stays in your skin. tree →
• The fishing hook is barbed, so the fish can't slip off. tree →
• Porcupine quills are barbed and hard to remove. tree →
• The farmer put up barbed wire to keep the cows in. tree →
• She made a barbed comment about my drawing. tree →

Note

Adjective. From «barb», a sharp backward point. Safety: if you get cut by barbed wire, tell an adult; deep or dirty cuts may need cleaning and a tetanus check. Bees die after stinging because of the barb, but wasps can sting again.

In Jewish tradition

In everyday life and safety: barbed wire is a fence wire with sharp twisted points, used around farms and building sites — do not climb over or through it, it cuts skin and clothes. In science, some animals and plants have barbed parts: bee stings, porcupine quills, burrs that stick to fur. In stories, «barbed» comments show hidden meanness. Phrases: barbed wire, barbed hook, a barbed remark, barbed sting.

Examples

• Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish-spears? (Writings JOB.40.31, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective. From «barb», a sharp backward point. Safety: if you get cut by barbed wire, tell an adult; deep or dirty cuts may need cleaning and a tetanus check. Bees die after stinging because of the barb, but wasps can sting again.