adj.
Pronunciation: ' ber- ə n, ' ba-r ə n
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English bareine, from Anglo-French barain, perhaps of Celtic origin; akin to Middle Welsh brynar fallow land
Date: 13th century
1 : not reproducing: as a : incapable of producing offspring ― used especially of females or matings b : not yet or not recently pregnant c : habitually failing to fruit
2 : not productive: as a : producing little or no vegetation : DESOLATE < barren deserts> b : producing inferior crops < barren soil> c : unproductive of results or gain : FRUITLESS <a barren scheme>
3 : DEVOID , LACKING ― used with of < barren of excitement>
4 : lacking interest or charm <a barren routine>
5 : lacking inspiration or ideas <a barren mind>
synonyms see BARE
– bar · ren · ly adverb
– bar · ren · ness \ - ə (n)-n ə s \ noun