buckthorn

/ˈbʌk.θɔːn/

Etymology

Calque of Latin cervī spīna (“deer's thorny shrub”), cervi (“deer's”) being the genitive singular of cervus (“deer”), from Proto-Italic *kerwos, from Proto-Indo-European *ḱr̥h₂wós, from *ḱerh₂- (“horn”) + *-wós, spīna (“thorny shrub”) from Proto-Italic *speinā, from Proto-Indo-European *spey- (“sharp point”). By surface analysis, buck + thorn.

buckthorn means any of several, often thorny shrubs or small trees, especially; the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae),; especially genus Rhamnus,. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 78 out of 100.

buckthorn is pronounced /ˈbʌk.θɔːn/.

noun

Any of several, often thorny shrubs or small trees, especially; the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae),; especially genus Rhamnus,
Any of several, often thorny shrubs or small trees, especially; the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae),; especially genus Rhamnus,; especially common buckthorn or purging buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).
Any of several, often thorny shrubs or small trees, especially; the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae),; also alder buckthorn (Frangula), especially Frangula alnus).
Any of several, often thorny shrubs or small trees, especially; sea buckthorn (Hippophae, in family Elaeagnaceae).