Pronunciation: [bɹˈɪsə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "bristles" is a noun that refers to short, stiff hairs or bristles on an animal or brush. Its spelling comes from the Latin word "bristla" and is pronounced as /ˈbrɪsəlz/. The phonetic transcription indicates that "bristles" is pronounced with a short "i" sound (as in "brick"), followed by an "s" sound, and ending with a "z" sound. The word can also be used as a verb, meaning to become stiffened with anger or irritation.
Bristles, in its noun form, refer to short, stiff hairs or filamentous projections that are typically found on certain animals, plants, or objects. These fine, rigid structures are usually visible above the surface or along the edges of a particular entity. Bristles can be seen in various natural and artificial contexts, serving distinct purposes depending on their location and composition.
In nature, animals such as porcupines, hedgehogs, or certain types of spiders possess bristles as a self-defense mechanism. These sharp, thickened hairs act as a deterrent or protection against predators by inflicting pain or discomfort upon contact. Plants also have bristles, commonly observed on the stems or leaves of certain species. These bristles may act as a defense mechanism, deterring herbivorous animals or helping to retain moisture within the plant by reducing evaporation.
In man-made objects, brushes and brooms are some of the most recognizable examples of bristles. The bristles in these tools are usually made of synthetic or natural fibers such as animal hair, nylon, or plant fibers. These bristles are bound together at one end, forming a dense and flexible brush head. Brushes and brooms with bristles are commonly used for cleaning or sweeping purposes, allowing for effective removal of dust, dirt, or other debris.
Overall, bristles are defined as stiff, short, and fine hairs or projections found on living organisms or objects. They serve various functions such as defense, sensation, or as structural components in tools or implements.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "bristles" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the Old English word "byrst", which referred to the stiff hairs on an animal's skin. The Old English word has its roots in the Germanic language family. Specifically, it comes from the Proto-Germanic word "burzti", meaning "bristle" or "brushwood". This Proto-Germanic term traces back even further to the Proto-Indo-European root word "bhrsti", meaning "bristle" or "hair". Consequently, the etymology of "bristles" can be traced back to the ancient origins of the Indo-European language family.
