ˈbärˌberē, ˈbȧˌ-, -_b(ə)rē, -ri noun
also ber·ber·ry or ber·bery ˈbərˌ-, ˈbə̄ˌ-
Etymology: by folk etymology (influence of berry ) (I) from Middle English barbere, from Middle French barbarin, berberis, berbere, from Arabic barbārīs
1. : any shrub of the genus Berberis — see american barberry , common barberry , japanese barberry
2. : the dried rhizome and roots of various shrubs of the genus Mahonia used as a bitter tonic