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boogum

noun
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boo·​gum | \ ˈbü-gəm \
variants: or boojum \ ˈbü-​jəm How to pronounce boogum (audio) \
plural -s

Definition of boogum

: a spiny tree (Idria columnaris) of the family Fouquieriaceae chiefly of Lower California sometimes arching over and rooting at its tips

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First Known Use of boogum

1951, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for boogum

perhaps from boojum, an imaginary creature in The Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carroll (C.L.Dodgson) †1898 English mathematician & writer; from its grotesque appearance

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Dictionary Entries Near boogum

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boogum

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Cite this Entry

“Boogum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boogum. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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