rubus

noun

ru·​bus ˈrü-bəs How to pronounce rubus (audio)
plural rubus
: any of a genus (Rubus) of plants (such as a blackberry or a raspberry) of the rose family with leaves that typically have three to seven leaflets or that are simple and lobed, white or pink flowers, usually prickly stems, and a mass of carpels ripening into an aggregate fruit composed of many drupelets

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, blackberry

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rubus was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rubus

Cite this Entry

“Rubus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubus. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!