barren

3 entries found for barren.
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barren[1,adjective] barren[2,noun] Barren Grounds

Main Entry: ¹bar·ren
Pronunciation: 'ber-&n, 'ba-r&n
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English bareine, from Anglo-French barain, perhaps of Celtic origin; akin to Middle Welsh brynar fallow land
1 : not reproducing: as a : incapable of producing offspring -- used especially of females or matings b : not yet or not recently pregnant c : habitually failing to fruit
2 : not productive: as a : producing little or no vegetation : DESOLATE <barren deserts> b : producing inferior crops <barren soil> c : unproductive of results or gain : FRUITLESS <a barren scheme>
3 : DEVOID, LACKING -- used with of <barren of excitement>
4 : lacking interest or charm <a barren routine>
5 : lacking inspiration or ideas <a barren mind>
synonym see BARE
- bar·ren·ly adverb
- bar·ren·ness /-&(n)-n&s/ noun