1. A subsidiary point facing opposite from the main point that makes an arrowhead or spear hard to remove
   "The fish hook's barb prevented the catch from slipping away"
    
2. The pointed part of barbed wire
   "He tore his shirt on the sharp barb of the fence"
    
3. One of the parallel filaments projecting from the main shaft of a feather
   "The barbs of the feather interlocked to form a smooth surface"
    
4. An aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
   "his parting barb was 'drop dead'";
   - shot, shaft, slam, dig [informal], jibe, gibe
    
5. A breed of horse from North Africa known for its speed and endurance
   "The Barb horse was prized by European nobility"
    
6. Any of various freshwater fish with sensitive whisker-like organs near the mouth
   "Barbs are popular aquarium fish"

1. Provide with barbs
   "barbed wire"

Derived forms: barbs, barbed, barbing

Type of: alter, change, comment, fibril, filament, input, modify, point, remark, strand

Part of: arrowhead, barbed wire, barbwire, hook, lance, shaft, spear, vane, web

Encyclopedia: Barb, Ontario