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Greenbrier - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Greenbrier refers to a group of thorny, climbing vines in the Smilax genus, commonly found in North America. They have green leaves, sharp prickles, and produce small berries. These plants often grow in woodlands and thickets.

greenbrier

/ˈɡrinˌbraɪər/ /ˈɡriːnˌbraɪə/

Definition:

A thorny North American vine with greenish flowers and dark berries.

Synonyms:

smilax, catbrier, bullbrier

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

smooth vine, non-thorny plant

Common Collocations:

tangled greenbrier, greenbrier thicket, climbing greenbrier

Derivatives:

greenbriers, greenbriered (rare)

Usage Tips:

Use "greenbrier" to describe thorny vines in forests or gardens; avoid confusion with similar plants like blackberry brambles.

Common Phrases:

tangled in greenbrier, greenbrier patch, choked by greenbrier

Etymology:

From "green" + "briar," referring to its color and thorny nature; first recorded in the early 19th century.

Examples:

  • 1. The hiker got stuck in a dense greenbrier thicket.
  • 2. Greenbrier vines often climb trees and fences in wooded areas.
  • 3. The berries of the greenbrier are eaten by birds but not humans.
  • 4. She carefully avoided the sharp thorns of the greenbrier while walking through the forest.

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