exploding cucumber
Definition
Noun 1. A Mediterranean vine (Ecballium elaterium) with oblong fruit that, when ripe, forcefully expels its seeds and juice upon being touched. This is the primary and specific botanical meaning of the term.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The exploding cucumber is known for its unique seed dispersal mechanism.
- Be careful not to touch the ripe fruit of the exploding cucumber.
- We studied the exploding cucumber in our botany class.
Advanced Usage
- The term is almost exclusively used in a literal, botanical context to refer to the specific plant species . It is not commonly used metaphorically.
Variants and Related Words
- Squirting cucumber: A common alternative name for the same plant (), describing the same action.
- Elaterium: The name of the genus () and also a term for a medicinal preparation derived from the juice of this plant.
Synonyms
- Squirting cucumber (n): The most direct synonym.
- Ecballium elaterium (n): The scientific Latin name.
Related Phrases
- Explosive dehiscence: The botanical term for the seed dispersal mechanism exhibited by this plant and others like it.
Noun
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Mediterranean vine having oblong fruit that when ripe expels its seeds and juice violently when touched
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