Thorn

/θɔːn/ · noun

Meaning

(botany) A modified branch that is hard and sharp like a spike..

Definitions by Sense

1. (botany) A modified branch that is hard and sharp like a spike.
2. Any thorn-like structure on plants, such as the spine and the prickle.
3. Any shrub or small tree that bears thorns, especially a hawthorn.
4. (figurative) That which pricks or annoys; anything troublesome.
5. A letter of Latin script (capital: Þ, small: þ), borrowed from the futhark; today used only in Icelandic to represent the voiceless dental fricative, but originally used in several early Germanic scripts, including Old English where it represented the dental fricatives that are today written th (Old English did not have phonemic voicing distinctions for fricatives).
6. To pierce with, or as if with, a thorn (sharp pointed object).

Example Sentences

On the mountains a few junipers and piñons are found, and cactuses, agave, and yuccas, low, fleshy plants with bayonets and thorns.

the white thorn

the cockspur thorn

There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me.

The guilt of empire, all its thorns and cares, / Be only mine.

See also Etymology of ye (definite article).

In Old English manuscripts thorn and eth did not have different phonetic values but were used positionally[.]

[…] human nature is, above all things, lazy, and needs to be thorned and goaded up those heights where it ought to fly.

Synonyms for thorn

Antonyms for thorn

Related Words

Word Forms

• thorns
• þorn
• thorning
• thorned

Usage Notes

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