briar
English
/bɹʌɪə/, /ˈbɹaɪə(ɹ)/
noun
Definitions
- Any of many plants with thorny stems growing in dense clusters, such as many in the Rosa, Rubus, and Smilax genera.
- (figurative) Anything sharp or unpleasant to the feelings.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English brere (briar) inherited from Old English brēr.
Origin
Old English
brēr