Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of plant: "spurge" refers to any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Euphorbia. These plants are characterized by having a milky, often poisonous, latex sap.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Many spurges are grown as ornamental plants in gardens, but their sap can be an irritant.
  • The botanist identified the wildflower as a type of spurge common to the region.
  • Be careful when handling that plant; it's a spurge and its milky juice can cause a skin rash.

Advanced Usage

• As a collective term: "Spurge" can be used to refer to the entire genus , which includes a vast diversity of forms from small herbs to cactus-like succulents and trees.
  • The genus Euphorbia, commonly called spurge, is one of the largest and most diverse groups of flowering plants.

Variants and Related Words

• Spurge Family (Euphorbiaceae): The botanical family to which the genus belongs.
  • The rubber tree and the castor oil plant are also members of the spurge family.
• Spurge Laurel (Daphne laureola): A different, unrelated plant whose common name includes "spurge" due to a similar appearance of its leaves.
  • Note: Spurge laurel is not a true spurge (Euphorbia).

Synonyms

• Euphorbia: The scientific genus name, often used interchangeably in botanical contexts.
• Milkweed (Note: This is a common name for plants in the genus , not . It is only a loose synonym due to the shared characteristic of milky sap, but they are from different plant families.)

Related Phrases and Terms

• Spurge nettle (): A plant with stinging hairs, not a true , but sometimes included in the broader "spurge" family (Euphorbiaceae).
• Crown of Thorns (): A specific, popular ornamental species of spurge.
• Poinsettia (): A well-known species of spurge, widely cultivated for its red and green foliage.

Noun

1. any of numerous plants of the genus Euphorbia; usually having milky often poisonous juice