broom grass
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of grass used for making brooms: "Broom grass" refers to any of several tall, stiff grasses, particularly from the genus Andropogon, whose stems are suitable for being bound together to make brooms.
Usage Notes
- "Broom grass" is a common name, not a precise botanical term. It primarily refers to grasses whose durable, often woody stems are harvested for the craft of broom-making.
- It is typically used as a mass noun (e.g., "a field of broom grass," "harvesting broom grass").
Examples
- The artisans gathered broom grass from the prairie to weave into traditional sweeping tools.
- Broom grass has been cultivated for centuries for its utility in creating household and ceremonial brooms.
- The stiff, straight stalks of broom grass are ideal for the task.
Advanced Usage
- "Broom grass" as a cultivated crop: In some regions, specific species like (broomsedge) are managed as a crop for broom-making.
- Example: The community's economy once relied heavily on the cultivation of broom grass.
Variants and Related Words
- Broomsedge (n): A common name for , a specific type of grass often called broom grass. It is known for its reddish-brown color in autumn.
- Broomcorn (n): A related but distinct plant ( var. ) whose stiff panicle (flower head) is used specifically for making brooms, not the grass stems.
Synonyms
- Broom straw: A near-synonym often used interchangeably with "broom grass" to describe the raw material.
- Bunchgrass: A general term for grasses that grow in clumps; some bunchgrasses may be suitable as broom grass.
Related Phrases
- To harvest broom grass: The specific action of cutting and gathering the grass for use.
- Example: It was a family tradition to harvest broom grass every fall.
Noun
- any of several grasses of the genus Andropogon; used in broom making