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broom (brm, brm)
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n.
1. An implement used for sweeping, typically consisting of a bunch of stiff synthetic fibers or broomcorn stalks, or formerly twigs or straw, bound together and attached to a handle.
2.
a. Any of various European and North African shrubs of the genus Cytisus in the pea family, especially C. scoparius, having mostly compound leaves with three leaflets and showy, usually bright yellow flowers.
b. Any of several similar or related shrubs, especially in the genera Genista and Spartium.
tr.v. broomed, broom·ing, brooms
To sweep with a broom.
[Middle English brom, from Old English brōm, broom plant (Cytisus scoparius and similar plants); akin to Dutch braam, blackberry, bramble, from Germanic *brēmaz, prickly shrub.]
broomy adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

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    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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