Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

African boxthorn

noun

Definition of African boxthorn 

: a tall shrub (Lycium tetrandrum) with spiny branchlets, rather thick leaves, and orange-red berries

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!

First Known Use of African boxthorn

circa 1764, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about African boxthorn

Share African boxthorn

Statistics for African boxthorn

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for African boxthorn

The first known use of African boxthorn was circa 1764

See more words from the same year

Comments on African boxthorn

What made you want to look up African boxthorn? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

farouche

marked by shyness and lack of polish

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Liar, Liar Quiz

  • alt-5761dbe2ba986
  • Someone who pretends to be sick in order to avoid work is a:
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games