Definition

1. Noun:
   • A coarse annual grass with finger-like spikes of flowers: Eleusine indica is a species of grass characterized by its rough texture, annual life cycle, and distinctive flower spikes that resemble fingers.
   • A plant native to the Old World tropics: Its origin is in the tropical regions of the Old World (Africa, Asia, Europe).
   • A naturalized weed in other regions: It has spread and established itself as a common weed in many parts of the world outside its native range.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The field was overrun with Eleusine indica, its finger-like spikes visible among the crops.
  • As a naturalized weed, Eleusine indica can be difficult to control in lawns and gardens.
  • Botanists study the spread of Eleusine indica from its native tropics to other continents.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or agricultural contexts: The term is used formally to identify the specific grass species in scientific, horticultural, or weed management discussions.
  • The research paper focused on the herbicide resistance of Eleusine indica.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Names: This species is known by several common names including:
  • Goosegrass: A frequent name in English, referring to its consumption by geese.
  • Wiregrass: Referring to its tough, wiry stems.
  • Crowfootgrass: Another name alluding to the shape of its flower head.
• Genus Eleusine: The genus to which this grass belongs, containing other similar species.

Synonyms

• Goosegrass: The most common synonym in general English.
• Wiregrass: A synonym emphasizing its physical texture.
• Crowfootgrass: A synonym describing the flower head shape.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Annual grass: A descriptive term for its life cycle.
• Weed: A functional classification in agriculture and gardening.
• Spikelet: A botanical term for the unit of its flower structure.

Noun

1. coarse annual grass having fingerlike spikes of flowers; native to Old World tropics; a naturalized weed elsewhere