buckthorn

noun

buck·​thorn ˈbək-ˌthȯrn 

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 (Sideroxylon lycioides) of the sapodilla family of the southern U.S.

Examples of buckthorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It's also infused with sea buckthorn oil, a decadent ingredient known for its abundance of moisture-replenishing antioxidants (hello, vitamin C) and conditioning fatty acids. —Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Dec. 2024

This flash treatment is also infused with sea buckthorn extract, an ingredient that's rich in fatty acids for a dose of hydration. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 17 Oct. 2024

This smoothing formula makes skin look and feel suppler through its proprietary peptides alongside antioxidant-rich rosehip oil and sea buckthorn extract. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Oct. 2024

Heavy development also made the land vulnerable to non-native buckthorn, honeysuckle, garlic mustard, purple loosestrife, multiflora rose and mulberry. —Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing buckthorn

• cascara buckthorn

Medical Definition

buckthorn

noun

buck·​thorn ˈbək-ˌthȯ(ə)rn 

: 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