Bark

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/bɑːrk/

Definitions

• noun: The tough outer covering of the trunk, branches, and twigs of trees and certain shrubs.
• noun: The sound made by a dog or similar animal, often a short, loud, and sharp noise.
• verb: To make the sound of a dog barking.
• verb: To speak sharply or aggressively (e.g., "He barked orders at his team").

Usage Examples

• The bark of the tree is rough and hard to peel off.
• The dog barked loudly at the stranger approaching the house.
• The manager barked at the staff to finish the report on time.
• We could hear the sound of the dog barking from across the street.

Etymology

The word "bark" comes from Old English "beorc," which refers to the outer covering of trees. The verb form, referring to the sound made by a dog, is related to the Middle English "barken," imitating the sound itself.

Synonyms

• Tree covering: rind, peel, skin, shell
• Dog sound: yap, woof, growl, howl
• Speak sharply: snap, yell, shout, scold

Antonyms

• For tree covering: smooth, bare
• For dog sound: silence, quiet
• For speak sharply: whisper, murmur, soothe

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "bark" may be pronounced with a more stressed "a" sound, "bark".
• In British English, the pronunciation tends to be more relaxed, but still similar to the American version, "bark".

Historical Usage

The use of "bark" as the outer covering of trees dates back to Old English, where it was used as a protective layer for certain trees. The verb form, referring to the sound of a dog, emerged around the 14th century as a descriptive term. Over time, both meanings became firmly established in English language usage.

Cultural Nuances

Bark has had significant uses in various cultures, particularly in ancient medicine and crafts. In some indigenous cultures, tree bark was used for medicinal purposes, including treating wounds and as a form of pain relief. Additionally, in certain regions, bark was used for making canoes, ropes, and even paper.

More Information

Bark is a crucial part of trees and plays a significant role in protecting the tree from environmental factors such as water loss, pests, and physical damage. Some animals, such as beavers, are known to gnaw on tree bark for food, while certain birds use it for building nests. Additionally, in the modern world, bark is a source of various products, including tannin used in leather production and certain types of natural dyes.