bristle

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bris·tle / ˈbrisəl/ • n. (usu. bristles) a short stiff hair, typically one of those on an animal's skin, a man's face, or a plant. ∎  a stiff animal hair, or a man-made substitute, used to make a brush: a toothbrush with nylon bristles the heads are made with natural bristle. • v. [intr.] 1. (of hair or fur) stand upright away from the skin, esp. in anger or fear: the hair on the back of his neck bristled. ∎  make one's hair or fur stand on end: the cat bristled in annoyance. ∎  react angrily or defensively, as by drawing oneself up: she bristled at his rudeness.2. (bristle with) be covered with or abundant in: the roof bristled with antennas.

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