burdock

American  

[bur-dok] / ˈbɜr dɒk /

noun

1. a composite plant of the genus Arctium, especially A. lappa, a coarse, broad-leaved weed bearing prickly heads of burs bur that stick to the clothing.

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burdock British  

/ ˈbɜːˌdɒk /

noun

1. a coarse weedy Eurasian plant of the genus Arctium , having large heart-shaped leaves, tiny purple flowers surrounded by hooked bristles, and burlike fruits: family Asteraceae (composites)

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Etymology

Origin of burdock

First recorded in 1590–1600; bur ¹ + dock ⁴

Example Sentences

This healing tea consists of sarsaparilla root, ginger, licorice root, cinnamon, burdock root, juniper berry, black pepper, dandelion root, clove oil and cinnamon bark oil.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2022

Andrew Taylor was hidden under hundreds of seedheads from burdock plants that grow locally for the Burryman's Day celebration through South Queensferry.

From BBC • Aug. 13, 2021

While many younger Black people didn’t grow up going to the woods to “shop,” they have learned about lesser-known fruits such as serviceberries and the common cold remedy burdock root through books or the internet.

From New York Times • Jul. 30, 2021

What to look for: The leaves of burdock are large and slightly curvy, with a paler green underside.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 5, 2019

It was Pipkin’s voice from behind a clump of burdock on the edge of the little circle of listeners.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams