gorse

[ gawrs ]

noun

1. any spiny shrub of the genus Ulex, of the legume family, native to the Old World, especially U. europaeus, having rudimentary leaves and yellow flowers and growing in waste places and sandy soil.

gorse

/ ɡɔːs /

noun

1. any evergreen shrub of the leguminous genus Ulex, esp the European species U. europeaus, which has yellow flowers and thick green spines instead of leaves Also calledfurzewhin

Derived Forms

• ˈgorsy, adjective

Other Words From

• gorsy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gorse¹

before 900; Middle English gorst, Old English; akin to German Gerste, Latin hordeum barley

Word History and Origins

Origin of gorse¹

Old English gors; related to Old Irish garb rough, Latin horrēre to bristle, Old High German gersta barley, Greek khēr hedgehog

Example Sentences

He dismounted and attempted to conceal himself amid the gorse of that wild spot.

From Project Gutenberg

We left the refreshment-room, and walked among the gorse and birches in the direction of Queen's Mere.

From Project Gutenberg

The bees buzzed about the wild thyme and the golden heads of gorse.

From Project Gutenberg

By every tree and ledge, by every cranny and point of rock, stoutly rooted hazel and thorn bush and clump of gorse, they climbed.

From Project Gutenberg

It's very pretty work in a small gorse, but in a great wood like this I don't care much for being so accurate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• scrub
• thicket