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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 • Feb. 18, 2022

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 • Sep. 7, 2021

I am thinking of you, mat-forming little spotted spurge, Euphorbia maculata, scourge of gravel driveways and patio crevices.

From New York Times • May 8, 2020

Today, myrtle spurge can be seen growing in many Salt Lake City yards, often metastasizing into neighboring yards and along sidewalks.

From Washington Times • May 11, 2018

The charred walls were hardly visible, camouflaged as they were by the spurge, brambles, and wild thyme that had taken root among the soot-blackened stones.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

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