greasewood

[ grees-wood ]

noun

1. a shrub, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, of the amaranth family, growing in alkaline regions of the western U.S., containing a small amount of oil.
2. any of various similar shrubs.
3. white sage ( def 1 ).
4. Western U.S. mesquite.

greasewood

/ ˈɡriːsˌwʊd; ˈɡriːsˌbʊʃ /

noun

1. Also calledchico a spiny chenopodiaceous shrub, Sarcobatus vermiculatus of W North America, that yields an oil used as a fuel
2. any of various similar or related plants, such as the creosote bush

Word History and Origins

Origin of greasewood¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; grease + wood ¹

Example Sentences

“My bed,” she said briefly, “over there,” and she indicated a thicket of greasewood the wagon had passed on their arrival.

From Project Gutenberg

The night had turned chill and Clodomiro spread the serape of Doña Jocasta over a heap of flowering greasewood branches.

From Project Gutenberg

He had tossed a bit of greasewood on the coals that he might again study the face of El Gavilan.

From Project Gutenberg

On one side was cactus and greasewood and a waste of sandy land, that was already back in the Union or mighty soon would be.

From Project Gutenberg

The local touch in making the greasewood bush the first vegetation is very strong.

From Project Gutenberg