cocklebur

American  

[kok-uhl-bur] / ˈkɒk əlˌbɜr /

noun

1. any composite plant of the genus Xanthium, comprising coarse weeds with spiny burs. bur.

2. the burdock, Arctium lappa.

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cocklebur British  

/ ˈkɒkəlˌbɜː /

noun

1. any coarse weed of the genus Xanthium, having spiny burs: family Asteraceae (composites)

2. the bur of any of these plants

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Etymology

Origin of cocklebur

First recorded in 1795–1805; cockle ² + bur ¹

Example Sentences

Carolina parakeets may have been attracted to farms by the cockleburs growing there as weeds.

From New York Times

The Carolina parakeet had a liking for eating cockleburs, a coarse flowering plant that contains a powerful toxin called carboxytractyloside.

From BBC

With the help of an observant hunter, several friends and an airplane overhead, Pfliger was fortunate enough to find her cocklebur laden keeshond.

From Washington Times

Soon he was observing cockleburs and other barbed seeds that attach themselves to animals and clothing.

From Nature

When Feroe first visited the Benton County Poor Farm cemetery, the cockleburs were so tall that she could not walk inside.

From Washington Times