Definition

1. Noun:
   • A spiny tree or shrub: "Christ's-thorn" refers to a thorny Eurasian shrub or small tree, specifically Paliurus spina-christi, known for its dry, woody, winged fruit and historically associated with the crown of thorns.
   • A plant with dark red edible fruits: It can also refer to other spiny plants, such as Ziziphus spina-christi, which bears dark red, edible fruit.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The garden featured a rare Christ's-thorn, its spiny branches forming a dense thicket.
  • According to local tradition, the crown of thorns was made from Christ's-thorn.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: Used in botanical and historical texts to refer to specific species believed to be the source of the biblical crown of thorns.
  • The researcher identified the specimen as Paliurus spina-christi, commonly known as Christ's-thorn.

Variants and Related Words

• Jerusalem thorn: A common name for .
• Crown of thorns: A direct reference to the biblical object, sometimes used colloquially for the plant itself.

Synonyms

• Paliurus spina-christi: The scientific name for one primary species.
• Ziziphus spina-christi: The scientific name for another species also called Christ's-thorn.

Related Phrases

• Crown of thorns plant: A phrase that can refer to , a different succulent plant, showing how common names can cause confusion.

Noun

1. spiny tree having dark red edible fruits
2. thorny Eurasian shrub with dry woody winged fruit