spurge Hear it!

spurge Definition

spurge (spʉrj)

noun

any of a genus (Euphorbia) of plants of the spurge family, with milky juice and minute, simplified flowers borne in cuplike inflorescences

Etymology: ME < MFr espurge < espurger, to purge < L expurgare: see expurgate

adjective

designating a family (Euphorbiaceae, order Euphorbiales) of dicotyledonous plants, usually with milky juice and diclinous flowers, including the poinsettia, cassava, and rubber tree

spurge Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • Japanese: Japanese spurge is excellent groundcover for areas of full or partial shade.
  • petty: Petty Spurge ~ a weed ( or wildflower or herb ).

Modifies a noun

  • laurel: An interesting plant that is quite widespread in the wood is spurge laurel, a species with dark flossy leaves.
  • family: Many members of the Spurge family are poisonous, or irritant in various degrees.
  • euphorbia: Uncommon species recorded within the shifting dunes include sea spurge Euphorbia paralias.
  • paralias: Uncommon species recorded within the shifting dunes include sea spurge Euphorbia paralias.
  • hawk: On the coast of Picardy just across the Channel I have seen it being devoured by large spurge hawk larvae.

Noun used with modifier

  • sea: Uncommon species recorded within the shifting dunes include sea spurge Euphorbia paralias.
  • dwarf: Management: Surface cultivations in spring and the normal tillage associated with root crops keep dwarf spurge in check.

Browse dictionary entries near spurge

  1. ‹ spur track
  2. ‹ spur gear
  3. ‹ spur
  4. ‹ spunky
  5. ‹ spunk
  6. ‹ spun yarn
  7. ‹ spun sugar
  8. ‹ spun silk
  9. ‹ spun glass
  10. ‹ spun
  1. spurge laurel ›
  2. spurious ›
  3. spurn ›
  4. spurred ›
  5. spurrier ›
  6. spurry ›
  7. spurt ›
  8. sputnik ›
  9. sputter ›
  10. sputum ›