sandbur

or sand·burr

[ sand-bur ]

noun

1. any of various grasses of the genus Cenchrus, having spikelets enclosed in prickly burs. bur.
2. any of several bur-bearing weeds growing in sandy places, as Franseria acanthicarpa or Solanum rostratum, of the western U.S.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sandbur¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; sand + bur ¹

Example Sentences

When found in the cave, his feet were badly swollen, compelling him to travel in the river-bed to protect them from sandburs and thorns.

From Project Gutenberg