1. Rough projection left on a workpiece after drilling or cutting
   "The machinist carefully removed the burr from the metal part"
    
2. Rotary file for smoothing rough edges left on a workpiece
   "He used a burr to smooth the edges of the cut metal"
    
3. Small bit used in dentistry or surgery
   "The dentist used a burr to remove the decayed portion of the tooth";
   - bur
    
4. Seed vessel having hooks or prickles
   "She carefully removed the burrs from her sweater";
   - bur
    
5. A whirring sound
   "The burr of the dental drill"
    
6. A strongly rolled 'r' sound characteristic of Scottish speech
   "He spoke with a distinctive Scottish burr"

1. Remove the burrs from
   "They burred the wool before processing";
   - bur

1. United States politician who served as vice president under Jefferson; he mortally wounded his political rival Alexander Hamilton in a duel and fled south (1756-1836)
   - Aaron Burr

Sounds like: bur, birr

Derived forms: burrs, burring

Type of: bit, pericarp, pol [N. Amer, informal], political leader, politician, politico [informal], pollie [Austral, informal], polly [Austral, informal], power tool, projection, remove, seed vessel, take, take away, withdraw

Part of: burr drill, dentist's drill

Encyclopedia: Burr, Missouri