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burdock

[bur-dok]

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noun

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

Origin of burdock

First recorded in 1590–1600; bur¹ + dock⁴

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for burdock

Historical Examples of burdock

No, I would let it go, and ask him for burdock or beet, as the case might be.
Samantha Among the Brethren, Part 6.
Josiah Allen's Wife (Marietta Holley)
"Come along with us, sir, and we'll show you," said Burdock.
Sandra Belloni, Complete
George Meredith
I knew I didn't need them burdock bitters all the time I was takin' 'em.
The Rival Campers Ashore
Ruel Perley Smith
You must be prepared to greet mullein and burdock as equals.
In the Open
Stanton Davis Kirkham
And the thistle looked at the burdock and asked, "Where in the world have you come from?"
The Queen Bee and Other Nature Stories
Carl Ewald

British Dictionary definitions for burdock

burdock

noun

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)

Word Origin for burdock

C16: from bur + dock 4

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for burdock

n.

coarse, weedy plant, 1590s, from bur + dock (n.3).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper