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

Standing atop its foundations, you will begin to notice rocky outlines through the greasewood and creosote, revealing the outlines of hundreds of structures, including houses, storage tanks and open-air aqueducts, stretching into the distance.

From Los Angeles Times

And while its importance began to fade 150 years ago, out here on the barren mesquite and greasewood flats, Horse Head Crossing has never been forgotten.

From Washington Times

“Oh, a few people do, I guess. But there’s nothing there to get. And not much water. Just rocks and cliffs and greasewood. Why?”

From Literature

But if I have to be exiled out here in the cactus and greasewood, I intend to make it as pleasant for myself as possible.

From Project Gutenberg

The plants cover extensive reaches of valley and hill-slopes, and are often called "greasewood."

From Project Gutenberg