Definition

Noun: 1. A low-growing, mat-forming plant: "baby tears" refers to a specific species of small, herbaceous, perennial plant (Soleirolia soleirolii, formerly Helxine soleirolii) known for its delicate, moss-like appearance. 2. Characteristic foliage: The name describes the plant's tiny, round, bright green leaves that resemble droplets, evocative of "tears."

Usage

• "Baby tears" is used as a common name for this specific plant. It is typically treated as a singular noun when referring to the plant as a type or species, but can be plural when referring to its collective, spreading growth.
  • Baby tears is an excellent choice for a terrarium due to its love of humidity.
  • The ground was covered in a lush carpet of baby tears.

Advanced Usage

• Horticultural Context: The term is standard in gardening and houseplant care. It is often used to specify the plant's requirements (e.g., "baby tears needs consistently moist soil").
• Descriptive Metaphor: The name itself is a descriptive metaphor, comparing the plant's small, round leaves to droplets.

Variants and Related Words

• Mind-your-own-business: A common alternative name for the same plant ().
• Angel's tears: A less common synonym, also playing on the "tears" metaphor.
• Corsican curse: Another colloquial name, referencing its native habitat (Corsica) and its potentially invasive, spreading growth habit in gardens.

Synonyms

• Soleirolia soleirolii: The botanical Latin name.
• Helxine soleirolii: A former botanical name.

Notes on Meaning

The term "baby tears" almost exclusively refers to this specific plant in modern English. It is not used to describe actual tears shed by an infant; for that, the phrase "a baby's tears" would be used.

Noun

1. prostrate or creeping Corsican herb with moss-like small round short-stemmed leaves