Brier is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language. However, it is still important to understand its meaning and origin. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and associations of brier.
Definitions
Brier is a noun that refers to a prickly shrub or bush with thorns. It can also refer to a tobacco pipe made from the root of a brier plant.
Origin
The word brier comes from the Old English word “brer” which means a prickly shrub or thorn bush. The word has been used in English since the 14th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, brier is defined as “a plant of the rose family with a prickly stem and usually white or pink flowers”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines brier as “a thorny shrub or bush, especially a wild rose”.
Associations
Brier is often associated with roughness, prickliness, and toughness. It is also associated with the outdoors and nature, as it is a plant that grows in the wild.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for brier include thorn, bramble, prickly bush, and wild rose.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for brier, as it is a specific term that refers to a type of plant.
The same root words
The word brier comes from the Old English word “brer”. Other words that share this root include briar, bramble, and bristle.
Example Sentences
- The hiker had to be careful not to get scratched by the briers along the trail.
- He smoked his pipe made from brier root while sitting on the porch.
- The garden was overgrown with briers and thorns, making it difficult to maintain.