bristle has definitions from the field of zoology
1
[ noun ] a stiff fiber (coarse hair or filament); natural or synthetic

Used in print

(The Times-Picayune, [New Orleans]...)

The bristles are soft enough to massage the gums and not scratch the enamel .

It is not as convenient as the old type toothbrush and the paste tends to shimmy of the bristles .

Related terms

fiber brush

2
[ verb ] be in a state of movement or action

Synonyms

burst abound

Examples

"The room abounded with screaming children" "The garden bristled with toddlers"

Used in print

(High Fidelity, 11:10...)

And although Schnabel 's pianism bristles with excitement , it is meticulously faithful to Schubert 's dynamic markings and phrase indications .

Related terms

have burst

3
[ verb ] rise up; of animals fur or hair; as in fear

Synonyms

uprise stand_up

Examples

"The dog's fur bristled" "It was a sight to make one's hair uprise!"

Used in print

(Glayds H. Barr, The Master of Geneva....)

One , more horrible than the rest , lunged , growling deep in his throat , his hair bristling .

Related terms

arise

4
[ noun ] (zoology) a stiff hair

Used in print

(Tom F. Driver, "Beckett by the Madeleine,"...)

Unruly hair goes straight up from his forehead , standing so high that the top falls gently over , as if to show that it really is hair and not bristle .

Related terms

hair

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