Hŭck'le-bĕr'ry, n.

(hŭk'l-), n. [Cf. Ger. puckelbeere, püchelbeere, pikelbeere, bickelbeere, bickbeere, heidelbeere.] (Bot.) (a.) A low branching shrub of the genus Vaccinium (V. resinosum), with very stiff and crooked branches, and producing a small, black, edible berry, of pleasant flavor. (b.) The fruit of this shrub. [Written also whortleberry.]

☞ The genus Vaccinium embraces a large number of species, including also the cranberry, bilberry, and blueberry. The latter are retained by Gray for the genus Vaccinium, the various species of huckleberry being placed under the genus Gaylussacia, the common black variety being G. resinosa.