any of various euphorbiaceous plants of the genus Euphorbia that have milky sap and small flowers typically surrounded by conspicuous bracts. Some species have purgative properties
Word origin
C14: from Old French espurge, from espurgier to purge, from Latin expurgāre to cleanse, from ex-1 + purgāre to purge
spurge in American English
(spɜrdʒ)
noun
1.
any of a genus (Euphorbia) of plants of the spurge family, with milky juice and minute, simplified flowers borne in cuplike inflorescences
adjective
2.
designating a family (Euphorbiaceae, order Euphorbiales) of dicotyledonous plants,usually with milky juice and diclinous flowers, including the poinsettia, cassava, and rubber tree
Word origin
ME < MFr espurge < espurger, to purge < L expurgare: see expurgate