burl

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the wood cut from a tree burl or outgrowth; often used decoratively in veneer
  2. noun a large rounded outgrowth on the trunk or branch of a tree
  3. noun soft lump or unevenness in a yarn; either an imperfection or created by design

Etymology

From Middle English burle (“a knot or flaw in cloth”), from Old French bourle (“flocks or ends of threads which disfigure cloth”), diminutive of Old French bourre, from Medieval Latin burra (“flock of wool, coarse hair”).

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