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spurge

Syllabification: (spurge)

Pronunciation: /spərj/

Definition of spurge

noun

a herbaceous plant or shrub with milky latex and very small typically greenish flowers. Many kinds are cultivated as ornamentals and some are of commercial importance.
- Genus Euphorbia, family Euphorbiaceae: numerous species

Origin:

late Middle English: shortening of Old French espurge, from espurgier, from Latin expurgare 'cleanse' (because of the purgative properties of the milky latex)