I. ˈbärbəl, ˈbȧb- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin barbellus, diminutive of Latin barbus barbel — more at barbus
1. : a large European freshwater fish ( Barbus fluviatilis ) with four barbels on its upper jaw
2. : any of various species of the genus Barbus
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: obsolete French (now barbeau ), from Middle French, diminutive of barbe barb, beard, from Latin barba — more at beard
1. : a slender tactile process on the lips of certain fishes (as catfishes and cyprinoids)
2. barbels plural : barb I 4 — used especially when the processes are inflamed and turgid
3. : a fleshy process on the chin or neck of some turtles