barbel

[ bahr-buhl ]

noun

1. a slender, external process on the jaw or other part of the head of certain fishes.
2. any of various cyprinoid fishes of the genus Barbus, especially B. barbus, of European waters.

barbel

/ ˈbɑːbəl /

noun

1. any of several slender tactile spines or bristles that hang from the jaws of certain fishes, such as the catfish and carp
2. any of several European cyprinid fishes of the genus Barbus , esp B. barbus , that resemble the carp but have a longer body and pointed snout

barbel

/ bär′bəl /

1. A slender, whiskerlike feeler extending from the head of certain fish, such as the catfish. It is used for touch and taste.

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbel¹

1400–1450; late Middle English barbell < Middle French barbel ( French barbeau ) < Vulgar Latin *barbellus, equivalent to Late Latin barb ( us ) a barbel (fish) (akin to Latin barba beard ) + Latin -ellus -elle

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbel¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin barbus , from barba beard

Example Sentences

In the former are several varieties, and some of enormous size, resembling the barbel.

From Project Gutenberg

Barbel, roach, club, and gudgeon are plentiful round the Bell Weir; and trout are often taken.

From Project Gutenberg

Head, about one-fifth the whole length; snout, very blunt, with a small barbel on the lower lip.

From Project Gutenberg

Each maxillary is provided with a small barbel; and the gill-covers are armed with short stiff spines.

From Project Gutenberg

Though called the salmon of India, the mahseer is really a species of barbel.

From Project Gutenberg