(n.) One of the processes along the edges of the barbs of a feather, by which adjacent barbs interlock. See Feather.
Example Sentences:
(1) The statistical significance of measurements of total barb-length and the length of the barbule-free tips have been evaluated; differences between the feathers of each of the seven tracts examined can be distinguished statistically.
(2) In some, but not all, feathers the same process is repeated, in a way analogous to fractal formation, to form the tertiary branches or the barbules (Fig.
(3) All life-cycle stages fed upon blood and the barbs and barbules from down feathers; hooklets from contour feathers were only found in adults.
(4) Comparative study of completed down feathers from seven of the major tracts of newly-hatched Silver Campine chicks reveals tract-specific differences in the total length of the primary group of barbs and in the length of their barbule-free tips.
(5) Subsequently generated barb epithelia expressed only L-CAM, but N-CAM reappeared periodically on cells between developing barbs and barbules.