spurry

[ spur-ee, spuhr-ee ]

noun

, plural spur·ries.

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Spergula, of the pink family, especially S. arvensis, having white flowers and numerous linear leaves.
2. any of various allied or similar plants.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spurry¹

First recorded in 1570–80; spur ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Perhaps the commonest of all is the sea-spurry sandwort, which hangs its little blossoms in trailing tufts from the cliff-sides.

From Project Gutenberg

Name from sagina, fattening; previously applied to the spurry.

From Project Gutenberg