thorn — a sharp pointed part that grows on plants, especially roses
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a sharp pointed part that grows on plants, especially roses
Pronunciation (IPA): /θɔːrn/
Example Sentences
- My neighbor's loud karaoke nights are a real thorn in my side.
- The gardener carefully removed every thorn before arranging the roses.
- Being stuck between my mom and my wife's opinions is like sitting on a bed of thorns.
thorn
NOUN[/θɔːrn/]
a sharp pointed part that grows on plants, especially roses
A thorn pierced her finger while she picked a rose.
The thorn hid beneath the beautiful rose. (ROSE + PAIN = THORN → the sharp part that causes pain)
Though the thorn left him worn, he returned stronger and reborn.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'þorn', derived from Proto-Germanic 'thornaz', which is related to similar words across Germanic languages. The word's ultimate origin is uncertain, but it may be connected to Proto-Indo-European roots meaning 'to turn' or 'to pierce'.
Breakdown
thorn (single morpheme, no productive breakdown) - Old English þorn, from Proto-Germanic *thornaz = a sharp pointed plant growth
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My neighbor's loud karaoke nights are a real thorn in my side.”
“The gardener carefully removed every thorn before arranging the roses.”
“Being stuck between my mom and my wife's opinions is like sitting on a bed of thorns.”
“The hiking trail was blocked by thick thorn bushes.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.