barbule

American  

[bahr-byool] / ˈbɑr byul /

noun

1. a small barb.

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

---

barbule British  

/ ˈbɑːbjuːl /

noun

1. a very small barb

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

---

barbule Scientific  

/ bär′byo̅o̅l /

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

---

Etymology

Origin of barbule

From the Latin word barbula, dating back to 1825–35. See barb ¹, -ule

Example Sentences

He’s soaking up water in his specialized belly feathers, which have a coiled barbule which makes them extra spongey.

From National Geographic

Through a common magnifying glass each tiny barbule was seen to be ringed with gray and silvery white, so finely that the rings could hardly be seen.

From Project Gutenberg

Barbule: a small barb, beard or filiform appendage.

From Project Gutenberg