Definition

Noun 1. A weedy annual grass species: A type of grass known as darnel or poison darnel, which is a common weed found in grain fields and other cultivated land. Its seeds are considered poisonous and can be harmful if mixed with harvest grains.

Usage Examples

• The farmer worked to remove from the wheat field before harvest.
• Contamination with seeds can pose a health risk in food supplies.
• Botanists study to understand its impact on agriculture.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Formal Context: The term is primarily used in botanical, agricultural, and scientific writing. In common language, the weed is more frequently referred to by its common names.
  • The study focused on the herbicide resistance of Lolium temulentum.

Variants and Related Words

• Darnel (n): The most common English name for this plant.
• Poison Darnel (n): A name emphasizing its toxic properties.
• Tare (n): An archaic or biblical term sometimes used for darnel or similar weeds (note: "tare" can refer to other vetch plants as well).
• Weed (n): A general term for any unwanted plant.

Synonyms

• Darnel
• Poison darnel

Notes on Meaning

• Botanical Significance: is specifically identified by its Latin binomial name, which precisely classifies the species within the genus .
• Historical/Literary Reference: This plant is often referenced in historical texts and parables (e.g., the "Parable of the Tares" in the Bible) as a symbol of corruption growing among the good.

Noun

1. weedy annual grass often occurs in grainfields and other cultivated land; seeds sometimes considered poisonous