buckthorn

American  

[buhk-thawrn] / ˈbʌkˌθɔrn /

noun

1. any of several, sometimes thorny trees or shrubs belonging to the genus Rhamnus, especially R. frangula, the bark of which is used in medicine.

2. a tree or shrub belonging to the genus Bumelia, of the sapodilla family, especially B. lycioides, a thorny tree having elliptic leaves and large clusters of white flowers, common in the southern and part of the central U.S.

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buckthorn British  

/ ˈbʌkˌθɔːn /

noun

1. any of several thorny small-flowered shrubs of the genus Rhamnus , esp the Eurasian species R. cathartica , whose berries were formerly used as a purgative: family Rhamnaceae See also sea buckthorn

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Etymology

Origin of buckthorn

1570–80; buck ¹ + thorn, rendering New Latin cervi spina

Example Sentences

Dessert revives malt bread as French toast alongside sea buckthorn and pumpkin held through autumn and sharpened into sorbet.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

In one dish that followed, sea buckthorn berries had been broken down into a cool soup in which nasturtium leaves floated like lily pads.

From New York Times • Sep. 29, 2022

Towering black locust, buckthorn, Japanese hedge parsley, honeysuckle, garlic mustard and dame’s rocket have all played a role in the congestion.

From Washington Times • Jul. 18, 2020

He's working on a fourth flavor, buckthorn tea with sage.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2018

I pick buckthorn until my breathing slows to normal, and then more until I’ve got a full bag.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz