birr

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

birr
    n 1: the basic unit of money in Ethiopia; equal to 100 cents
    2: sound of something in rapid motion; "whir of a bird's wings";
       "the whir of the propellers" [syn: {whir}, {whirr},
       {whirring}, {birr}]
    v 1: make a soft swishing sound; "the motor whirred"; "the car
         engine purred" [syn: {whizz}, {whiz}, {whirr}, {whir},
         {birr}, {purr}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Birr \Birr\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Birred}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Birring}.] [Cf. OE. bur, bir, wind, storm wind, fr. Icel.
   byrr wind. Perh. imitative.]
   To make, or move with, a whirring noise, as of wheels in
   motion.
   [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Birr \Birr\, n.
   1. A whirring sound, as of a spinning wheel.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A rush or impetus; force.
      [1913 Webster]

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