witches'-broom

noun

witch·​es'-broom ˈwi-chəz-ˌbrüm How to pronounce witches'-broom (audio)
-ˌbru̇m
: an abnormal tufted growth of small branches on a tree or shrub caused especially by parasitic organisms (such as fungi, viruses, or aphids)

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of witches'-broom was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near witches'-broom

Cite this Entry

“Witches'-broom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/witches%27-broom. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on witches'-broom

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!