spurge

[ spurj ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any of numerous plants of the genus Euphorbia, having a milky juice and flowers with no petals or sepals.

spurge

/ spɜːdʒ /

any of various euphorbiaceous plants of the genus Euphorbia that have milky sap and small flowers typically surrounded by conspicuous bracts. Some species have purgative properties

Origin of spurge¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French espurge, noun derivative of espurgier to cleanse < Latin expurgāre. See ex- ¹, purge

Origin of spurge¹

C14: from Old French espurge, from espurgier to purge, from Latin expurgāre to cleanse, from ex- ¹+ purgāre to purge

Dog-violets, barren strawberry, and the yellowish-green spurge are in flower there now.

The milky juice of the common cypress spurge (Euphorbia Cyparissias) will cure warts.

The spurge plants were long ago covered up by drifting sand, and the caterpillars were all destroyed.

Certain vegetable juices have also been recommended for the same purpose; as spurge and acacia.

This is the case with the spurge-feeding D. Euphorbi, so common in many parts of Germany.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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