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

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

The tree is a species of Ziziphus in the Rhamnaceae, or the buckthorn plant family. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024

Spa Spritz 1 cucumber Rosewater Honey Water Cannabis infused glycerin tincture* Optional additives : Hyaluronic acid Omega 7 sea buckthorn oil Collagen First skin the cucumber, then blend into a juice using either a juicer, muddler or blonder. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 2 Oct. 2024

Sea buckthorn extract, on the other hand, is rich in antioxidants to protect skin from UV damage and free radicals while replenishing moisture with its fatty acid content. —Devon Abelman, Allure, 21 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