barbellate

[ bahr-buh-leyt, bahr-bel-it, -eyt ]

adjective

, Botany, Zoology.

1. having short, stiff hairs.

barbellate

/ bɑːˈbɛlɪt; ˈbɑːbɪˌleɪt; -eɪt /

adjective

1. (of plants or plant organs) covered with barbs, hooks, or bristles
2. (of animals) possessing bristles or barbels

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbellate¹

1840–50; < New Latin barbell ( a ), diminutive of Latin barbula little beard ( barbule, -elle ) + -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbellate¹

C19: from New Latin barbellātus , from barbella short stiff hair, from Latin barbula a little beard, from barba beard

Example Sentences

Pappus of 15–40 capillary bristles, manifestly plumose or only barbellate.

From Project Gutenberg