Blaeberry

/ˈbleɪbɛri/ noun

Definition

A small dark blue berry growing on low shrubs in moorland and mountains, especially in Scotland; also called bilberry or whortleberry.

Etymology

From Old Norse 'blār' (blue) + 'bær' (berry). The plant Vaccinium myrtillus produces these berries, which have been harvested in Northern Europe for thousands of years.

Kelly Says

The blaeberry is the same fruit as the European bilberry, but the Scottish name with its Norse roots tells you about the cultural history of Britain—different regions kept different names from their invaders!

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