burdock

[ bur-dok ]

noun

1. a composite plant of the genus Arctium, especially A. lappa, a coarse, broad-leaved weed bearing prickly heads of burs bur that stick to the clothing.

burdock

/ ˈbɜːˌdɒk /

noun

1. a coarse weedy Eurasian plant of the genus Arctium , having large heart-shaped leaves, tiny purple flowers surrounded by hooked bristles, and burlike fruits: family Asteraceae (composites)

Word History and Origins

Origin of burdock¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; bur ¹ + dock ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of burdock¹

C16: from bur + dock ⁴

Example Sentences

He found he liked burdock root very much, and when the strawberries turned red, he had them on his breath all day.

From Literature

When she bought other, lesser-known vegetables at the supermarket — the book also features burdock, celery root, escarole, turnips and 18 more — the checkers wouldn’t know the codes.

From Seattle Times

This healing tea consists of sarsaparilla root, ginger, licorice root, cinnamon, burdock root, juniper berry, black pepper, dandelion root, clove oil and cinnamon bark oil.

From Salon

These include a party whose sole platform is a call to boycott public broadcaster NHK, and a party whose trademark is burdock roots and says the vegetable can beat bad guys.

From Seattle Times

It’s the same every time: I ask him from the kitchen, “Barley, burdock root or chamomile?”

From New York Times