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buck·thorn | \ ˈbək-ˌthȯrn 
\
\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.
Examples of buckthorn in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web When the buckthorn is gone, the Rotary and land trust hope new native trees will grow in their place, which will not only look better but will also improve the biodiversity of the park.
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Jeff Rumage, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "A herd of 38 goats is helping landscape a Mequon park by chewing away weeds," 24 June 2020 After a group of volunteers got to work in Deerfield’s Briarwood Nature Area and Trail Tree Nature Area recently, the spot now boasts 12 new trees and less invasive buckthorn.
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Steve Sadin, chicagotribune.com, "Volunteers get together to improve Briarwood and Trail Tree nature areas," 18 Oct. 2019 The perfect pick for tired, puffy eyes, this treatment packs 7 different organic oils, including anti-inflammatory rosehip oil, firming sea buckthorn oil, and hydrating avocado oil.
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Braelyn Wood, Health.com, "Kristen Bell Has the Perfect Hack to Looking Like You Got a Full Night’s Sleep," 4 Apr. 2020 Plus: botanicals sea buckthorn, rosehip, and helichrysum to help encourage cell turnover; and grapeseed oil, a potent moisturizer rich in fatty acids and antioxidant compounds.
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Beth Janes, Marie Claire, "These Products Will Save Your Skin from Its Biggest Stressors," 9 Jan. 2020 The park is currently fighting against invasives like phragmites, hybrid cattail, buckthorn, Japanese knotweed and even wetland species like purple loosestrife.
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Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, "‘What we need is more goats’: How Thelma and her sister Louise are helping to protect Indiana Dunes National Park," 25 Oct. 2019 Prickly sea buckthorn bushes and red-limbed willows are among the few species that can survive in the region’s cold desert climate and high altitudes.
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Washington Post, "How a lifelong obsession with snow leopards led me to northern India," 10 Jan. 2020 In the past, experts have recommended cutting down buckthorn and spraying herbicide on the stumps.
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Bob Shaw, Twin Cities, "U of M center battles hungry invasives," 2 Dec. 2019 New offerings, featuring autumnal ingredients such as beets, sea buckthorn, butternut squash and pomegranate, run the gamut from starters to desserts to craft cocktails.
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Claire Perez, sun-sentinel.com, "True Food Kitchen’s Squash pie a seasonal treat (plus it’s vegan and gluten-free)," 4 Oct. 2019
See MoreThese 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.
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More Definitions for buckthorn
buckthorn
nounbuck·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
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Time Traveler for buckthorn
The first known use of buckthorn was in 1578
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