Definition

Noun 1. A common weed (Bidens bipinnata) of the eastern United States: A plant of the aster family, characterized by its small yellow flowers and barbed seeds that cling to clothing and animal fur. 2. The seed of bur marigold plants: Specifically refers to the small, dry, barbed fruit (achene) of plants in the Bidens genus, which are notorious for sticking to passersby.

Usage

• The singular form "Spanish needle" refers to a single seed or plant.
• The plural form "Spanish needles" is commonly used to refer to the seeds collectively or to the plant species.
• It is primarily used in botanical, agricultural, and informal regional contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • After hiking through the field, my socks were covered in Spanish needles.
  • The Spanish needle is a resilient weed that can be difficult to eradicate from gardens.
  • We spent the afternoon picking Spanish needles off the dog's coat.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Identification: In technical contexts, "Spanish needles" precisely identifies or related species within the genus.
• Figurative Use for Nuisance: The term can be used metaphorically to describe a persistent, minor annoyance that is hard to get rid of.
  • The paperwork issue was a Spanish needle in the side of the project, small but constantly causing delays.

Variants and Related Words

• Bur marigold: A more general common name for plants in the genus.
• Beggarticks: Another common name for plants in the genus, referring to the seed's ability to stick.
• Bidens: The scientific genus name for this group of plants.
• Sticktight: A colloquial name describing the seed's adhesive property.

Synonyms

• Bur marigold
• Beggarticks
• Stickseed
• Tickseed

Idioms and Phrases

• (To be) like Spanish needles: To be clingy, persistent, and difficult to remove or shake off.
  • His guilt over the mistake was like Spanish needles, sticking with him for weeks.

Noun

1. common bur marigold of the eastern United States
2. the seed of bur marigolds