agave
/ə'geivi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of tropical American plant characterized by a basal rosette of thick, fibrous, sword-shaped leaves and a tall flowering spike. Many species are cultivated for ornamental purposes, for the production of fibers, or for the extraction of sap used to make beverages like tequila and mezcal.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The desert garden featured a large, striking agave with blue-green leaves.
- Tequila is distilled from the fermented sap of the blue agave.
- The fibers from some agave species are used to make ropes and textiles.
Advanced Usage
- "Century plant": A common name for certain species, particularly , due to the mistaken belief that it flowers only once every 100 years. It actually flowers once at the end of its life cycle, which can take 10 to 30 years.
- The so-called century plant in the courtyard is finally sending up its massive flower stalk.
Variants and Related Words
- Agavaceae (n): The botanical family to which the agave belongs, often called the agave family.
- Agave syrup (n): A sweetener, also known as maguey syrup, produced from the sap of certain agave plants.
- Maguey (n): A common name, especially in Mexico, for various agave plants, particularly those used for fiber or pulque production.
Synonyms
- Century plant: (for specific species like )
- American aloe: (a historical, though botanically inaccurate, name due to the plant's superficial resemblance to aloe plants)
Related Phrases and Terms
- Agave nectar: Another term for agave syrup, used as a vegan alternative to honey.
- She sweetened her tea with agave nectar.
- To harvest an agave: The process of cutting the core (piña) of the plant for spirit production.
- The jimador skillfully harvested the agave using a coa.
Noun
- tropical American plants with basal rosettes of fibrous sword-shaped leaves and flowers in tall spikes; some cultivated for ornament or for fiber