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Glite Dictionary
clotbur

clotbur

9.9
A plant that grows for two years and has seed heads that stick to clothes or animal fur
  • noun
  • /ˈklɑtˌbɜr/
  • UK
translation icon : clotbur
  • Clotbur can be difficult to remove from clothing due to its sticky burs.

Examples

  • The farmer pulled a clotbur from his dog’s fur after their walk through the field.

  • Several species of clotbur thrive along the riverbanks in temperate regions.

  • The clotbur plant is often found in fields.

  • I removed a clotbur from my dog's fur.

  • Clotbur can be difficult to remove from clothing due to its sticky burs.

  • The farmer pulled a clotbur from his dog’s fur after their walk through the field.

  • Several species of clotbur thrive along the riverbanks in temperate regions.

Synonyms

burdock
vsclotbur
4 8.6

A large plant with wide leaves and small spiky balls that stick to clothing or fur

emphasizes a stout taproot and burr-like seedheads that stick to animals

Surface Forms

clotbur singular
clotburs plural

Morphology

clotbur = clot + bur (semi-transparent) = clot + bur

The components 'clot' and 'bur' are recognizable, but the compound is a rare botanical name and the precise sense may be unfamiliar to learners.

Etymology

Clotbur joins clot ('lump') and bur ('burr' or 'sticky seed'). A helpful way to remember it is to picture a clump of the plant covered in small burrs that stick to clothing or animals, which is why clotbur means a plant with burr-like seed heads that cling.