buckthorn

American  

[buhk-thawrn] / ˈbʌkˌθɔrn /

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.

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.

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buckthorn British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of buckthorn

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

Example Sentences

They held anything from turbot to sea buckthorn, from artichokes to Zeeland mussels.

From Washington Times

The department said invasive plants, such as honeysuckle and buckthorn, can impact the ability of private landowners to manage their woodlands, hinder the success of timber harvests and be expensive to treat.

From Washington Times

He gets milk from his neighbour’s cows, eggs from his own chickens, and flavourings such as sea buckthorn and bee pollen from his fields.

From The Guardian

Prickly sea buckthorn bushes and red-limbed willows are among the few species that can survive in the region’s cold desert climate and high altitudes.

From Washington Post

The removed invasive species include buckthorn and honey suckle.

From Washington Times