noun
spurge
SPURJ
Spurge (noun) means any plant of the large genus Euphorbia, or of the wider family to which it belongs. Example: “The border was full of spurge in early summer.”
noun
1
Any plant of the large genus Euphorbia, or of the wider family to which it belongs.
"The border was full of spurge in early summer."
"She planted a spurge beside the gravel path."
"Spurges come in many shapes and sizes."
2
A plant that resembles a Euphorbia in some aspect of its appearance.
"The gardener called it a spurge because of its look, though it was not a true Euphorbia."
"The gardener labeled the cactus-like plant a spurge, though it is not a true Euphorbia."
Examples of spurge in a sentence →
How to use spurge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA plant of the Euphorbia group.
When to use it
It is a gardening and botanical term.
Memory tip
The plural is spurges, and the singular can also be used as a mass noun for the plants in general.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a spurge plant
the spurge family
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Etymology
It comes from Middle English, which took it from Old French espurge, itself from espurgier, meaning to purge, and ultimately from Latin. The name points to the plants' bitter, milky sap, once taken as a purge.
Synonyms
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euphorbia
Rhymes for spurge
See all rhymes for spurge →Frequently asked questions
What is a spurge?
A spurge is a plant of the genus Euphorbia, a group with more than 2,000 species. The word can also cover plants of the wider spurge family.
Why is it called spurge?
The name goes back to an Old French word meaning to purge. People once took the plants' bitter, milky juice to clear the body.
Is spurge the same as euphorbia?
Yes, in the main sense spurge and euphorbia name the same group of plants. Euphorbia is the scientific genus name.
What is the meaning of spurge?
"spurge" (noun) means any plant of the large genus Euphorbia, or of the wider family to which it belongs.
