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

And then there’s the brand’s signature sea buckthorn packed with vitamins C and A, omega-7 fatty acids, and antioxidants to nourish your hair and scalp. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Feb. 2025

The Sea Spritz is a current standout: a maritime mixture of woodruff, sea buckthorn and wild seaweed offering the slightest hint of salinity. —Brad Japhe, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025

Leaves in waterways can encourage algae and harm water quality, and buckthorn is an invasive species. —Meghan Davy Sandvold, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025

The amika antioxidant shampoo delivers a healthy dose of sea buckthorn and natural plant extracts that protect your hair from oxidative stress and draw out harmful pollutants. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing buckthorn

• cascara buckthorn

Rhymes for buckthorn

• adorn
• airborne
• blackthorn
• broomcorn
• buckhorn
• careworn
• firstborn
• foodborne
• forborne
• forewarn
• forlorn
• forsworn

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