Word: Spanish Needles
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: "Spanish needles" refers to a type of plant commonly found in the eastern United States. It is also known as "bur marigold." The name comes from the way its seeds look; they are sharp and can stick to clothing or fur, similar to needles.
Usage Instructions: You can use "Spanish needles" when talking about this specific plant or its seeds. It is often used in discussions about nature, gardening, or when describing the environment.
Example Sentence: - "While walking in the park, I noticed many Spanish needles growing near the pond."
Advanced Usage: In a more advanced context, you might discuss the ecological role of Spanish needles, such as how they attract certain insects or their use in traditional medicine.
Word Variants: - Spanish needle (singular) - Bur marigold (another common name)
Different Meanings: The phrase "Spanish needles" primarily refers to the plant and its seeds. However, in a different context, it could refer to the needles used in sewing or stitching, but this is not the common usage.
Synonyms: - Bur marigold - Bidens (the scientific name for the plant)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "Spanish needles," but you could discuss phrases related to plants, such as "to weed out," which means to remove unwanted plants.