ruscus

noun

rus·​cus
ˈrəskəs
1
capitalized : a small genus of European evergreen shrubs (family Liliaceae) with leaflike phylloclades, small greenish flowers, and red berries see butcher's-broom
2
plural -es : any plant of the genus Ruscus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, butcher's-broom

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruscus was in 1562

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near ruscus

Cite this Entry

“Ruscus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruscus. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!