buckthorn

noun

buck·​thorn ˈbək-ˌthȯrn How to pronounce buckthorn (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Rhamnus of the family Rhamnaceae, the buckthorn family) of often thorny trees or shrubs some of which yield purgatives or pigments
2
: a shrub or small tree (Bumelia lycioides) of the sapodilla family of the southern U.S.

Examples of buckthorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The formula consists of 50% almond oil that delivers skin-nourishing vitamins D and E, as well as other nutrient-rich oils, including sea buckthorn, rosehip, and carrot seed. Brigitt Earley, Allure, 28 Feb. 2024 Never the grocer to skimp on quality ingredients, Erewhon’s blend features a mix of organic fruits (strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, dates, and avocados), along with a slew of digestion-enhancing supplements, including kombucha, maca, sea buckthorn, and ION Gut Support. Anusha Praturu, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2023 It's spiked with a grand total of 72 ingredients meant to plump, firm, and hydrate, including call-outs like antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn oil, moisture-replenishing jojoba oil, and dullness-defying algae extract. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 21 Nov. 2023 Pagano’s studies showed that nonnative and invasive bush honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) and common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) fruit, for example, have low levels of nutrients, fats and proteins. Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023 This product makes hair look incredible, in large part thanks to sea buckthorn berry, which adds hydration and nourishes the hair, as well as zeolite and rice starch to add grit for noticeable texture. Rebecca Norris, Peoplemag, 1 Nov. 2023 Desserts run the gamut from sorbet made with sea buckthorn, carrot, and orange to sobacha mousse with vanilla cake and passionfruit. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2023 Third, cluster three stems of buckthorn berries on the right and two toward the back. Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2023 Blackcurrant seed oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while sea buckthorn oil packs in nourishing fatty acids, vitamins, and additional antioxidants. Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'buckthorn.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of buckthorn was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near buckthorn

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

buckthorn

noun
buck·​thorn ˈbək-ˌthȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce buckthorn (audio)
: a shrub or tree of the genus Rhamnus sometimes having thorny branches and often containing purgative principles in bark or sap and producing fruits sometimes used as a source of yellow and green dyes or pigments see cascara buckthorn

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