bearberry

American  

[bair-ber-ee, -buh-ree] / ˈbɛərˌbɛr i, -bə ri /

noun

plural

bearberries

1. any of several prostrate shrubs belonging to the genus Arctostaphylos, of the heath family, especially A. uva-ursi, having tonic, astringent leaves and bright-red berries.

2. cascara.

3. possum haw.

4. any of several other plants, as some species of cranberry.

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bearberry British  

/ ˈbɛəbərɪ /

noun

1. a trailing evergreen ericaceous shrub, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi , with small pinkish-white flowers, red berries, and astringent leaves

2. a related species, A. alpina of European mountains, having black berries

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Etymology

Origin of bearberry

First recorded in 1615–25; bear ² + berry

Example Sentences

Hyper Skin’s latest face mask will leave you radiant while also working to fade dark spots with niacinamide and bearberry.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2022

A ways down the road we found equally varied botany: dwarf willows, crowberry plants and alpine bearberry shrubs that would turn crimson in two months.

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2016

She pulled herself to the top with a branch of bearberry shrub, and offered him her hand.

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko

Fa had given them to him when he was seven, rubbing bearberry juice into the pierced skin.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

When the urine is thick and deficient in quantity, or voided with difficulty, it may be given in the following form:— Powdered bearberry, 1 ounce.

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by Dadd, George