buckthorn

[ buhk-thawrn ]

noun

1. any of several, sometimes thorny trees or shrubs belonging to the genus Rhamnus, especially R. frangula, the bark of which is used in medicine. Compare buckthorn family.
2. a tree or shrub belonging to the genus Bumelia, of the sapodilla family, especially B. lycioides, a thorny tree having elliptic leaves and large clusters of white flowers, common in the southern and part of the central U.S.

buckthorn

/ ˈbʌkˌθɔːn /

noun

1. any of several thorny small-flowered shrubs of the genus Rhamnus , esp the Eurasian species R. cathartica , whose berries were formerly used as a purgative: family Rhamnaceae See also sea buckthorn

Word History and Origins

Origin of buckthorn¹

1570–80; buck ¹ + thorn, rendering New Latin cervi spina

Word History and Origins

Origin of buckthorn¹

C16: from buck ¹(from the spiny branches, imagined as resembling antlers) + thorn

Example Sentences

"She's too stylish to be good for much," being the excellent Mrs. Buckthorn's severe corollary.

From Project Gutenberg

Rhamnus, ram′nus, n. a genus of polypetalous shrubs and trees, including the buckthorn.

From Project Gutenberg

I gave him a dose of syrup of buckthorn, and put him on a diet of pot-liquor and vegetables till further orders.

From Project Gutenberg

Jacinto Quesada drew back from the entangled buckthorn and genista.

From Project Gutenberg

A very fugitive pigment, prepared from the juice of buckthorn berries.

From Project Gutenberg