bar
/bɑː/ · bar
noun
- A solid, more or less rigid object of metal or wood with a uniform cross‑section smaller than its length. The window was protected by steel bars.
- A solid metal object with a uniform (round, square, hexagonal, octagonal or rectangular) cross‑section; in the US its smallest dimension is 1/4 inch or greater. Ancient Sparta used iron bars instead of handy coins in more valuable alloy, to physically discourage the use of money.
- A cuboid piece of any solid commodity. She broke off a bar of chocolate and handed it to the child.
- A counter where alcoholic drinks are served; a tavern or public house. We met at the local bar for a quick drink after work.
- The legal profession as a collective, especially the body of lawyers qualified to practice. After passing the exam, she was called to the bar.
- A unit of pressure equal to 100 kilopascals, roughly equal to atmospheric pressure at sea level. The tire was inflated to 2.2 bar before the race.
verb
- To prohibit, prevent, or exclude. The new law bars anyone under 18 from purchasing tobacco.
- To fasten or secure with a bar. She barred the door with a heavy wooden beam.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The pressure unit “bar” was named after the French word barre, meaning ‘bar’, because early pressure gauges used a metal bar that deflected under pressure.