Definition

Noun: A type of strong wire, typically made of steel, that has sharp points or barbs twisted into it at regular intervals. Its primary purpose is to create a barrier to prevent the passage of people or animals.

Usage

Barbwire is used as a singular, uncountable noun to refer to the material itself. It is most commonly used in contexts related to security, fencing, and agriculture. - The perimeter of the military base was secured with barbwire. - Ranchers often use barbwire to fence their pastures.

Examples

• The old fence was topped with rusted barbwire.
• They had to cut through the barbwire to escape.
• Installing barbwire can be dangerous without proper gloves.

Advanced Usage

• "strand of barbwire": Used to specify a single length of the wire.
  • A single strand of barbwire was stretched across the path.
• "barbwire fence": A common compound term for a fence constructed from this material. (Note: This is a compound noun, not the target word alone).
  • The property was surrounded by a barbwire fence.

Variants and Related Words

• Barbed wire: The more common full term for this material; "barbwire" is a clipped form.
• Razor wire: A similar but distinct security product featuring sharp blades instead of barbs.

Synonyms

• Barbed wire
• Barbed fencing

Related Phrases

• "coil of barbwire": Refers to barbwire wound into a circular shape for storage or deployment.
  • A new coil of barbwire sat beside the fence post.
• "entangled in barbwire": Describes being caught or trapped by the barbs.
  • The deer became entangled in the barbwire.

Noun

1. strong wire with barbs at regular intervals used to prevent passage