Definition of the word thorn

The word "thorn" has its roots in Old English. The noun "þorn" (thorn) is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*þurniz", which is also the source of Modern German "Dorn" and Dutch "doorn". This Proto-Germanic word is thought to have been borrowed from Latin "thoron", which referred to a sharp-pointed branch or thorn. The Latin "thoron" is itself derived from the Greek word "θόρών" (thóron), which means "thorn" or "prickle". The Greek word is likely related to the verb "θορτύω" (therúō), which means "to prick" or "to pierce". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word "thorn" evolved to its modern form, but its etymological connections to ancient languages highlight the enduring presence of prickly plants in human culture and language.