sandbur

Or sand·burr

[sand-bur]

noun

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sandbur¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; sand + bur ¹

Example Sentences

When found in the cave, his feet were badly swollen, compelling him to travel in the river-bed to protect them from sandburs and thorns.

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