Thorn Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒต
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thorn

[ฮธษ”หn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

plant anatomy

A sharp pointed part on a stem or leaf of a plant, typically a modified leaf or stipule.

Synonyms

barb, prickle, spike.

Examples of usage

  • The rose bush was covered in thorns, making it difficult to prune.
  • Be careful not to get pricked by the thorns on the cactus.
Context #2 | Noun

medieval writing

A letter in the Old English, Old Norse, and Icelandic alphabets, representing the sound of 'th', often written as รพ or รž.

Examples of usage

  • The word 'thorn' is derived from the Old English letter thorn.
  • In Old Norse, the thorn letter was used to represent the 'th' sound in words.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'thorn'

The word 'thorn' has a rich history, originating from Old English 'รพorn', which was derived from the Proto-Germanic 'thurnuz'. Thorns have been symbolically associated with protection, defense, and the harshness of nature. In medieval times, the thorn letter was used in Old English, Old Norse, and Icelandic scripts to represent the 'th' sound. Over time, the meaning of 'thorn' has evolved to include both the plant anatomy and the letter in ancient alphabets.


See also: thorny.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,060, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.