burden
1bur·den
noun \ˈbər-dən\Definition of BURDEN
1
a : something that is carried : load b : duty, responsibility
2
: something oppressive or worrisome
3
a : the bearing of a load —usually used in the phrase beast of burden b : capacity for carrying cargo <a ship of a hundred tons burden>
4
: load 11 <worm burden> <cancer burden>
Origin of BURDEN
Middle English, from Old English byrthen; akin to Old English beran to carry — more at bear
First Known Use: before 12th century
2burden
transitive verb bur·dened bur·den·ing \ˈbərd-niŋ, ˈbər-dən-iŋ\
Definition of BURDEN
Examples of BURDEN
- I don't wish to burden you with my problems.
- <burdened the dog with a little backpack>
First Known Use of BURDEN
1541
Related to BURDEN
3burden
nounDefinition of BURDEN
1
archaic : a bass or accompanying part
Origin of BURDEN
Middle English burdoun, from Anglo-French burdun a drone bass, of imitative origin
First Known Use: 14th century
bur·den
noun \ˈbərd-ən\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of BURDEN
: load 3 <worm burden> <cancer burden>
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