Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus of grasses: "Genus Agrostis" is the scientific name for a group of annual or perennial grass species. These grasses are found worldwide but are especially common in the northern hemisphere. They are commonly known as bent grasses.

Usage and Examples

• Scientific Classification: The term is used primarily in botanical and ecological contexts to classify and discuss this specific group of plants.
  • The study focused on the drought resistance of several species within genus Agrostis.
  • Agrostis stolonifera, a member of genus Agrostis, is widely used on golf course greens.

Advanced Usage

• The common name "bent grass" originates from the Old English word 'bent,' which referred to an area of open, unfenced grassland where these types of grasses would typically grow.

Variants and Related Words

• Agrostis (n): The abbreviated, one-word form of the genus name, used identically in scientific writing.
  • The lawn was reseeded with Agrostis capillaris.
• Bent grass (n): The common name for grasses belonging to this genus.
  • Creeping bent grass is a popular choice for fine lawns.

Synonyms

• Bent grasses (n, common name)

Notes on Meaning

• This term has a single, specific meaning in scientific nomenclature. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses. Its usage is confined to technical, academic, and horticultural contexts.

Noun

1. annual or perennial grasses cosmopolitan in northern hemisphere: bent grass (so named from `bent' meaning an area of unfenced grassland)