burl

[ burl ]

noun

1. a small knot or lump in wool, thread, or cloth.
2. a dome-shaped growth on the trunk of a tree; a wartlike structure sometimes 2 feet (0.6 meters) across and 1 foot (0.3 meters) or more in height, sliced to make veneer.

verb (used with object)

1. to remove burls from (cloth) in finishing.

burl

¹

/ bɜːl /

noun

1. an attempt; try (esp in the phrase give it a burl )
2. a ride in a car

burl

²

/ bɜːl /

noun

1. a small knot or lump in wool
2. a roundish warty outgrowth from the trunk, roots, or branches of certain trees

verb

1. tr to remove the burls from (cloth)

burl

/ bûrl /

1. A large, rounded outgrowth on the trunk or branch of a tree. Burls develop from one or more twig buds whose cells continue to multiply but never differentiate so that the twig can elongate into a limb. Burls do not usually cause harm to trees.

Derived Forms

• ˈburler, noun

Other Words From

• burler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of burl¹

1400–50; late Middle English burle ≪ Old French; akin to Medieval Latin burla bunch, sheaf, Late Latin burra wool, fluff

Word History and Origins

Origin of burl¹

C20: perhaps from birl ¹in the Scot sense: a twist or turn

Origin of burl²

C15: from Old French burle tuft of wool, probably ultimately from Late Latin burra shaggy cloth

Example Sentences

A gorgeous burl wood half moon bar, commissioned for but never delivered to the Titanic, conceals the entrance to a room containing Ellison’s archives, organized on accordion library shelves.

From Los Angeles Times

The winner is expected to drive their sled dog team down Nome’s Front Street to the iconic burled arch finish line in about 10 days.

From Washington Times

The meticulous animation has stop-motion’s characteristic haptic quality, so much so you can almost feel the character’s rough and smooth surfaces, the burl of his form as well as the grain.

From New York Times

But he found his passion when, in his 50s, he began doing sculpture, working primarily in burl wood and bronze.

From New York Times

Brent Sass won the race March 15 when he crossed under the famed burled arch finish line in Nome.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• growth
• knot
• node