thistle
UK: ˈθɪs(ə)l | US: ˈθɪsəl
n. A prickly flowering plant, typically with purple or pink flowers and spiny leaves, often considered a weed.
The word "thistle" traces back to Old English þistel, derived from Proto-Germanic þistilaz. While its exact deeper roots are unclear, it likely relates to the plant's spiky nature, possibly linked to Proto-Indo-European roots meaning "to prick" or "sharp." The word has retained its form and meaning across Germanic languages (e.g., German Distel, Dutch distel), reflecting its longstanding association with prickly plants.
The field was overgrown with thistles, their purple flowers swaying in the wind.
She carefully avoided the thistle’s sharp spines while gardening.
The national emblem of Scotland features a thistle, symbolizing resilience.
Bees buzzed around the thistle, drawn to its nectar.
He winced as a thistle pricked his finger during the hike.