anagallis arvensis
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- herb with scarlet or white or purple blossoms that close at approach of rainy weather