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

One of the sheep, on its way back to the pen, saw a well-loaded burdock that had been overlooked.

From Project Gutenberg

Only somewhere close by, persistently a great burdock leaf flapped and whispered.

From Project Gutenberg

This Clote leaf is by many considered to be the Burdock leaf, but it was more probably the name of the Water-lily.

From Project Gutenberg

So she took it off and laid it under a big burdock plant leaf near the pond, to keep the flowers and ribbons dry.

From Project Gutenberg

A few twigs of the burdock were cut off, and carefully wrapped in paper by the investigators.

From Project Gutenberg