pyracantha

[ pahy-ruh-kan-thuh ]

noun

, plural py·ra·can·thas.

1. firethorn.

pyracantha

/ ˌpaɪrəˈkænθə /

noun

1. any rosaceous shrub of the genus Pyracantha, esp the firethorn, widely cultivated for ornament

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyracantha¹

1700–10; < New Latin Pyracantha type genus < Greek pȳrákantha kind of shrub, equivalent to pŷr fire + ákantha thorn

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyracantha¹

C17: from Greek purakantha name of a shrub, from pyro- + akantha thorn

Example Sentences

The familiar workhorses of the birds’ berry buffet, like Pyracantha and holly, mountain ash and Nandina, are all pretty enough.

From Seattle Times

She pairs golden and limey evergreens with interesting bits of nature in red and orange, like rosehips and holly or Pyracantha berries.

From Seattle Times

A quarter of coyotes’ diet was found to be ornamental fruit, including fruit from palm trees, small red berries called pyracantha, and grapes found around people’s homes.

From The Guardian

Beware, however, the intimidating family of shrubs — barberry, quince, pyracantha, cactus.

From Seattle Times

Beware, however, the intimidating family of shrubs - barberry, quince, pyracantha, cactus.

From Washington Times