Definition

Noun 1. A low-growing annual herbaceous plant (Anagallis arvensis) of the primrose family, having small, opposite leaves and solitary, five-petaled flowers that are typically scarlet, but can also be blue, white, or purple. It is noted for its flowers closing in overcast or rainy weather. * This word is a scientific botanical name for a specific species of flowering plant, commonly known as the scarlet pimpernel.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The field was dotted with the bright red blooms of Anagallis arvensis.
  • Botanists study Anagallis arvensis for its unique weather-sensitive flowering behavior.
  • A variant of Anagallis arvensis with blue flowers can sometimes be found near the coast.

Advanced Usage

• The name Anagallis arvensis is used in formal, scientific, academic, or horticultural contexts. In everyday language, common names like "scarlet pimpernel," "poor man's weatherglass," or "shepherd's clock" are preferred.
• The specific epithet "" means "of the field," indicating its typical habitat.

Variants and Related Words

• Scarlet pimpernel (n): The most common English name for this plant, referring to its typical flower color.
• Poor man's weatherglass (n): A folk name highlighting the plant's habit of closing its flowers when bad weather approaches.
• Shepherd's clock (n): Another folk name, suggesting shepherds could use the flower's opening and closing to tell the time of day (in conjunction with weather).

Synonyms

• Scarlet pimpernel (n): The primary common synonym.
• Red pimpernel (n): A less common variant of the common name.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• While there are no direct idioms using the Latin name Anagallis arvensis, the plant's common name is the title of a famous historical adventure novel, , by Baroness Orczy. In the novel, the name is used as the secret identity of the hero, symbolizing something humble and overlooked yet resilient and clever.

Noun

1. herb with scarlet or white or purple blossoms that close at approach of rainy weather