THORN Meaning and
Definition
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A thorn, is a sharp, slender, pointed projection, typically found on the stem or branch of certain plants, capable of causing injury or pain upon contact. Thorns serve various purposes in plants, primarily acting as a form of defense against herbivores or as a means of attachment or support. They are typically woody or rigid in nature, and can vary in size, ranging from minute prickles to substantial, dagger-like structures.
Thorns are commonly found on plants such as roses, cacti, blackberries, and hawthorns, among others. These sharp structures act as a deterrent for animals grazing on the vegetation, as their painful pricks can cause discomfort, injury or even serve as protection against predation.
Furthermore, thorns serve a mechanical function for plants, enabling them to grip onto surfaces, providing support for climbing species, or assisting in the dispersal of seeds by attaching to passing animal fur or clothing. Some plants have modified thorns, known as tendrils, which coil around objects, allowing the plant to climb or cling for stability.
It is worth noting that thorns are distinct from spines or prickles, as they typically arise from the plant's epidermis. Spines are modified leaves, while prickles are outgrowths of the plant's cortex or outer tissue. Thorns are unique in their origin as well as their function in the plant kingdom.
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A tree or shrub armed with sharp spines; a spine; a prickle; anything that causes great trouble and anxiety.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for THORN *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for THORN
Etymology of THORN
The word "thorn" originated from Middle English "thorn" or "thurne", which was derived from Old English "þorn" or "þyrne". These Old English forms trace back to the Proto-Germanic word "*þurnuz". The word evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root "*tr̥̄nós" meaning "thorny plant" or "thorn". The etymology of "thorn" ultimately reflects the ancient association with the sharp, pointed, and often prickly nature of thorny plants.
Idioms with the word THORN
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be a thorn in flesh
The idiom "be a thorn in the flesh" means to be a constant source of annoyance, irritation, or trouble to someone. It refers to someone or something that consistently causes frustration or difficulty, similar to a thorn that causes pain when stuck in flesh.
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thorn in side
The idiom "thorn in one's side" refers to a person or thing that is a constant source of irritation, annoyance, or discomfort. It represents a persistent problem or challenge that causes ongoing frustration or difficulty.
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a thorn in sb's/sth's side
The idiom "a thorn in someone's or something's side" refers to a person or thing that causes continuous irritation, annoyance, or difficulty for someone or something else. It suggests that the person or thing is constantly causing trouble or hindering progress, much like a thorn that causes discomfort and is difficult to remove.
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be a thorn in (someone's) side
The idiom "be a thorn in (someone's) side" means to be a persistent source of annoyance or difficulty for someone. It refers to being a constant irritant, causing frustration or discomfort to the person it is directed towards.
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a thorn in side
The idiom "a thorn in one's side" refers to a person, situation, or issue that causes consistent annoyance, frustration, or trouble. It often implies that this source of irritation is persistent and difficult to eliminate, similar to a thorn stuck in one's flesh.
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be a thorn in (one's) flesh
The idiom "be a thorn in (one's) flesh" refers to a person or thing that consistently causes annoyance, irritation, or difficulty. This expression originates from the biblical metaphor of a thorn causing constant pain or discomfort, symbolizing a persistent source of trouble or inconvenience.
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be a thorn in sb's flesh/side
The idiom "be a thorn in someone's flesh/side" means to be a persistent source of annoyance, irritation, or trouble for someone. It refers to a person or thing that causes ongoing discomfort or frustration to another individual.
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thorn in one's flesh
The idiom "thorn in one's flesh" refers to a person, situation, or problem that consistently annoys, irritates, or causes frustration to someone continuously over a period of time. It represents an ongoing source of trouble or discomfort, much like a thorn that constantly pricks and irritates the flesh.
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a thorn in somebody’s flesh/side
The idiom "a thorn in somebody's flesh/side" refers to a persistent source of annoyance or irritation for someone. It implies that the person or situation causing distress is a constant reminder that is difficult to ignore or eliminate, much like a thorn stuck in one's flesh or side.
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a thorn in your side
The idiom "a thorn in your side" refers to a source of continuous annoyance, irritation, or trouble that causes ongoing difficulty or discomfort. It is often used to describe a person, situation, or problem that hinders or frustrates someone persistently.
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be a thorn in your flesh/side
The idiom "be a thorn in your flesh/side" refers to something or someone that is constantly frustrating, annoying, or causing difficulties for someone. It symbolizes a persistent problem or source of irritation that one cannot easily remove or avoid, much like a thorn embedded in the flesh that causes discomfort.
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a thorn in someone's side
The idiom "a thorn in someone's side" means a person or thing that causes constant annoyance or trouble for someone.
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There's no rose without a thorn.
The idiom "There's no rose without a thorn" means that nothing good or beautiful comes without its flaws or drawbacks. It suggests that even in the best or most positive situations, there will always be some negative or difficult aspects to deal with. It emphasizes the idea that perfection or absolute happiness is unattainable and that one must accept and navigate through challenges or imperfections in order to fully enjoy or appreciate the positive aspects of a situation.
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thorn in your flesh/side
The idiom "thorn in your flesh/side" refers to a persistent and ongoing problem or annoyance that causes constant irritation or distress. It can be used to describe a person, situation, or circumstance that constantly troubles or creates difficulties for someone, making their life more challenging or uncomfortable. The term is derived from the Biblical expression found in the New Testament, referring to a physical ailment that causes ongoing discomfort and is difficult to remove.
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thorn in the flesh
The idiom "thorn in the flesh" refers to a persistent and troublesome problem or person that causes continuous annoyance or discomfort. It is often used to describe something or someone that is a source of ongoing frustration or difficulty.
Similar spelling words for THORN
- thorium,
- thrown,
- therm,
- throw-in,
- thereon,
- Theron,
- Thorne,
- thorny,
- throne,
- therrien,
- thoren,
- throw in,
- theorem,
- therein,
- torn,
- Thran,
- thrum.
