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bar
noun
A solid, rigid object of metal or wood with a uniform cross-section smaller than its length, typically used for structural support, barriers, or as raw material in manufacturing and construction applications.
Etymology
Origin: Latin
Root: *barra (beam, barrier) — "pressure, weight"
Example
"The blacksmith heated the iron bar in the forge until it glowed red-hot and became malleable enough to shape."
Usage Notes
Bar has multiple meanings across contexts: physical objects (iron bar), establishments (cocktail bar), legal profession (the bar), or barriers (barred from entry). In formal writing, specify the context to avoid ambiguity. The word carries neutral connotations when referring to objects but can imply restriction or exclusion in other uses.