Primarily, 'grain' or 'barley' as used in agricultural contexts (especially poetic or elevated prose); also, by extension, refers to the idea of something 'pure' or 'select,' such as refined grain or a chosen/special person. The word can also function in post-biblical Hebrew and Aramaic to mean 'son,' though this is distinct from its Hebrew usage in the Tanakh.

Etymology Derived from the root בָּרַר (to purify, select, sift) or possibly from a different root meaning 'grain.' Its usage as 'pure' or 'select' is directly linked to the idea of separation or refinement inherent in the root.

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Akan bara millet (a type of cereal grain) bara
Yoruba (Niger-Congo, not Bantu core) bàrà cereal grain, usually a type of millet or guinea corn, by extension 'food/grain' b-r