spurge

American

[spurj] / spɜrdʒ /

noun

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

spurge British

/ spɜːdʒ /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of spurge

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Demand for luxury goods has soared after lockdowns as customers spurge on high-end goods.

From Reuters

A couple of cross members on the arbor have broken, planks that retain beds have decayed and paths meticulously weeded just a month ago are full of nutsedge and prostrate spurge again.

From Washington Post

Ants have a close relationship with spotted spurge, Kent said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Grasses, spurges and hostas are good examples. Yes, they flower, but most of us don’t really grow them for that benefit.”

From Seattle Times

Towns answered with a 3-pointer and made 5 of 6 free throws as the Purple Eagles closed on a 15-8 spurge.

From Washington Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023