Meaning & use
bristle
A short, stiff hair, as found on an animal, a plant, or a brush.
See it in a sentence
The old paintbrush had lost half of its bristles from years of heavy use.
A wild boar's back is covered in coarse, dark bristles.
A note on using this word
Bristle also works as a verb meaning to react with sudden anger or defensiveness, as in 'she bristled at the criticism.'
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To react with sudden anger, irritation, or defensiveness.
He bristled when a coworker questioned his decision in front of the team.
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