barbule

[ bahr-byool ]
/ ˈbɑr byul /

noun

a small barb.
any of the small processes fringing the barbs of a feather.

Origin of barbule

From the Latin word barbula, dating back to 1825–35. See barb1, -ule

Words nearby barbule

barbour, barbour jacket, barbu, barbuda, barbudo, barbule, barbusse, barbut, barbwire, barca, barcarole

British Dictionary definitions for barbule

barbule
/ (ˈbɑːbjuːl) /

noun

a very small barb
ornithol any of the minute hairs that project from a barb and in some feathers interlock by hooks and grooves, forming a flat vane

Word Origin for barbule

C19: from Latin barbula a little beard, from barba beard

Scientific definitions for barbule

barbule
[ bär′byōōl ]

A small barb or pointed projection, especially one that fringes the edges of the barbs of feathers.