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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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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