bristle
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1bris·tle
noun \ˈbri-səl\Definition of BRISTLE
: a short stiff coarse hair or filament
— bris·tle·like \ˈbri-sə(l)-ˌlīk\ adjective
See Examples of BRISTLE
- a face covered with bristles
- the bristles of a brush
Origin of BRISTLE
Middle English bristil, from brust bristle, from Old English byrst; akin to Old High German burst bristle, and perhaps to Latin fastigium top
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Botany Terms
2bristle
verb bris·tled bris·tling \ˈbris-liŋ, ˈbri-sə-\
Definition of BRISTLE
transitive verb
1
: to furnish with bristles
intransitive verb
1
a : to rise and stand stiffly erect <quills bristling> b : to raise the bristles (as in anger)
2
: to take on an aggressively defensive attitude (as in response to a slight or criticism) <he bristled at the accusations of corruption>
3
a : to be full of or covered with especially something suggestive of bristles <roofs bristled with chimneys> b : to be full of something specified <book bristles with detail and irony — W. J. Broad>
Examples of BRISTLE
- Electricity makes your hair bristle.
- <a recent college grad thrilled to be starting a new life in a city bristling with possibilities>
First Known Use of BRISTLE
15th century
Related to BRISTLE
bris·tle
noun \ˈbris-əl\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of BRISTLE
: a short stiff coarse hair or filament
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