SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

Scotch broom

noun

Definition of Scotch broom

:a deciduous broom (Cytisus scoparius) of western Europe that is widely cultivated for its bright yellow or partly red flowers and that has become naturalized in North America

First Known Use of scotch broom

1798

Medical Dictionary

Scotch broom

noun \ ˈskäch- \

medical Definition of Scotch broom

:a deciduous broom (Cytisus scoparius) of western Europe that contains the alkaloid sparteine, is the source of scoparius, and is widely cultivated for its bright yellow or partly red flowers

Learn More about scotch broom

See words that rhyme with Scotch broom Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Scotch broom

Seen and Heard

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

show

WORD OF THE DAY

malign

play

to speak evil of

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Forms of Government Quiz

A gerontocracy is rule by:

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

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

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

alt-59e673567065d

The History of the Word 'Terrorism'

Noah Webster first entered the term in 1840

alt-59e65152518a6

'Regimen' vs. 'Regiment'

The rule of thumb for words about rules

alt-59e50f5a357b4

'Spox' May Go On The Record

From newsroom lingo to the mainstream

alt-59e506c5c02ae

C'mon, Of Course 'Myriad' Is a Noun

For a myriad of reasons

Ask the Editors

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

video-irregardless-grammar-peeve-blend-of-the-synonyms-irrespective-and-regardless

Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

video-moose-goose-weird-plurals

Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

knupfer-painting-solon-before-croesus

Forms of Government Quiz

Name that government! Or something like that.

Take the quiz

rembrandt-painting-a-young-scholar-and-his-tutor

Original Meanings Quiz

A quiz for the pedantic and those annoyed by them!

Take the quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

Take the quiz

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!

Play the game