barb
Arrow tip's snag
A barb is a sharp point projecting backward from another point, such as one on an arrow or fishhook, intended to catch or cause damage if the object with the main point is pulled out.
The concrete meaning gives rise to the figurative sense: a barb is also a sharply critical or hurtful remark.
Less frequently encountered meanings of barb are for a breed of North African horses, or a slang term for barbiturates.
Exact location or meaning
- tinePointed fork projection
- prongPointed projecting part
- spikeSharp rise or point
- arrowheadPiercing end of projectile
spearhead · harpoon · needle · quill · fang · claw · thorn · prickle
Insulting provocation
- jibeAgree or correspond
- sarcasmIrony used to mock
- sneerScornful expression
- jeerVocal expression of scorn
quip · dig · witticism · retort · put-down · slight · zinger · comeback
Wind direction indicator
- shaftNarrow vertical passage
- rachisCentral supporting shaft
- plumageBird's complete feather coat
- quillFeather used for writing
fletching · calamus · barbule · down · covert · pinion · ornithology · preening
Curved catching device
Strengthening defenses or nutrients
- fenceBoundary structure between properties
- palisadeFence of pointed stakes
- perimeterShape's outer edge length
- entanglementState of being intertwined
deterrent · barrier · obstruction · razor wire · military · trench · no-man's-land
point
Exact location or meaning
arrowhead · spearhead · harpoon · needle · quill · fang · claw · thorn · prickle · wire
taunt
Insulting provocation
jeer · quip · dig · witticism · retort · put-down · slight · zinger · comeback · snipe
vane
Wind direction indicator
quill · fletching · calamus · barbule · down · covert · pinion · ornithology · preening · flight feather
hook
Curved catching device
fishing · tackle · fly · cast · catch · line · sinker · bobber · jig · spinner
fortification
Strengthening defenses or nutrients
- fenceBoundary structure between properties
- palisadeFence of pointed stakes
- perimeterShape's outer edge length
entanglement · deterrent · barrier · obstruction · razor wire · military · trench · no-man's-land
barbcompliment
Words expressing approval
praise · kindness · flattery · commendation · accolade
- barber polesRotating striped shop indicators
- barber shopHair-cutting establishment
- barbed wireSpiked metal fence material
- barber's poleRotating striped salon marker
- barber chairAdjustable seat for grooming
- barbed wire fence
barber, barbed, barbarian, barbs, barbing, barbel, barbican, barbless