buckthorn

noun buck·thorn \ -ˌthȯrn \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of buckthorn

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.

Recent Examples of buckthorn from the Web

The Savory Pastry Beets star in galettes at North Bakery in Providence, sea buckthorn sneaks into the muffins at Kantine in SF, and everything spice tops these doughy knots from The Bakery at Fat Rice in Chicago.

— leah mennies, Bon Appetit, "Technicolor Croissants and More Glimpses Into the Future of Pastries," 3 Apr. 2018
Common buckthorn is more prevalent and found in many landscapes.

— sheryl devore, Lake County News-Sun, "Battling buckthorn: Regional tree initiative enlists help from homeowners to eradicate invasive plant," 22 Feb. 2018
The initiative would be a cooperative venture between the village, the Lake Bluff Park District and Lake Bluff Open Lands, with the goals including opening up the entrance plus as well as removing invasive species such as buckthorn.

— daniel i. dorfman, chicagotribune.com, "Lake Bluff looks at whether to allow short-term rentals such as with Airbnb," 8 Mar. 2018
Two types of non-native buckthorn grow in the region.

— sheryl devore, Lake County News-Sun, "Battling buckthorn: Regional tree initiative enlists help from homeowners to eradicate invasive plant," 22 Feb. 2018
The Shake & Shot Brightening Mask utilizes vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and sea buckthorn fruit extract, which is chock full of antioxidants and helps even skin tone, brighten darkness, and revitalize the complexion.

— sara spruch-feiner, Allure, "Dr. Jart Launches Shake & Shot Rubber Masks That Let You Be a Skin-Care Mixologist," 2 Feb. 2018
Common buckthorn prefers light shade and is tolerant of many soil conditions.

— tim johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Winter's a good time to whack invasive buckthorn," 26 Dec. 2017
According to Reichenbach, the biggest three threats to urban trees are oak wilt, the emerald ash borer and invasive plants such as common buckthorn.

— jennifer rude klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Treasure in your yard: Trees need care and maintenance to thrive," 17 Sep. 2017
Some people use buckthorn as a barrier, and that’s not good because the seeds go everywhere.

— joanne kempinger demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Invasive plants to watch out for," 20 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'buckthorn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of buckthorn

1578

Medical Dictionary

buckthorn

noun buck·thorn \ ˈbək-ˌthȯ(ə)rn \

medical Definition of buckthorn

: 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