
好词典

源自中古英语,借自古法语 'barbe'(胡须,倒刺),最终来自拉丁语 'barba'(胡须),因倒刺形状类似胡须而得名。
❶ 指箭头、鱼钩等尖锐物体上的倒刺,用于防止拔出或增加伤害。也比喻言语中带刺的讽刺话。
“The fishhook has a sharp barb to keep the fish from escaping.”
(鱼钩上有锋利的倒刺,防止鱼逃脱。)
“Her comment was a barb aimed at his pride.”
(她的话像一根刺,直指他的自尊心。)
❶ 给某物装上倒刺,或使言语带有讽刺意味。
“They barbed the arrows for hunting.”
(他们给箭装上倒刺用于狩猎。)
“His words were barbed with hidden criticism.”
(他的话暗含尖锐的批评。)
barbed wire — 带刺的铁丝网,常用于军事防御或围栏,防止人或动物穿越。
“The prison was surrounded by barbed wire fences.”
(监狱周围围满了带刺的铁丝网。)