sandbur

[ sand-bur ]

/ ˈsændˌbɜr /

any of various grasses of the genus Cenchrus, having spikelets enclosed in prickly burs.

any of several bur-bearing weeds growing in sandy places, as Franseria acanthicarpa or Solanum rostratum, of the western U.S.

QUIZZES

Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.

Question 1 of 8

Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; sand + bur¹