birr1
[bur]
- force; energy; vigor.
- emphasis in statement, speech, etc.
- a whirring sound.
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- to move with or make a whirring sound.
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Origin of birr1
1275–1325; Middle English bire, bur, Old English byre strong wind; cognate with Icelandic byrr favorable wind; akin to bear1
birr2
[beer]
- a paper money, silver coin, and monetary unit of Ethiopia, equal to 100 cents: replaced the Ethiopian dollar in 1976.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
vigorpotencyzestzippepvitalitystaminafortitudevervegustostarchefficiencycapabilityefficacyagilitystrengthabilityendurancequicknessintensityExamples from the Web for birr
Historical Examples
When the British Tommies heard the "birr" of the five-inch Canadian shells they all asked whose they were.
The Red WatchJ. A. Currie
Once he heard the birr of his father's voice in the lobby and his mother speaking in shrill protest, and then—oh, horror!
The House with the Green ShuttersGeorge Douglas Brown
His great reflector, built in his own grounds at Birr Castle, Ireland, was finished in 1844.
Birr is the very centre of Ireland, and probably takes airs to herself in consequence.
Wanderings in IrelandMichael Myers Shoemaker
A quick run of nine miles brings us to the quaint old city of Birr, just as the night closes in.
Wanderings in IrelandMichael Myers Shoemaker
birr1
- to make or cause to make a whirring sound
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- a whirring sound
- force, as of wind
- vigour; energy
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Word Origin
Old English byre storm, related to Old Norse byrr favourable wind
birr2
- the standard monetary unit of Ethiopia, divided into 100 cents
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Word Origin
C20: from Amharic
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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