Definition

1. Noun:
   • A coarse annual grass with finger-like flower spikes: This term refers to a type of grass, native to Old World tropics, that has become a naturalized weed in other regions.
   • An annual weedy grass used for hay: It can also denote a specific annual, weedy grass species that is sometimes harvested for hay.
   • A low-growing perennial plant with silvery leaves: In another botanical context, "goose grass" identifies a perennial plant found in northern regions, characterized by leaves that are silvery on the underside.
   • An annual plant with a stem covered in curved prickles: Finally, it can refer to an annual plant, common across several continents, known for its stem being beset with curved prickles.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer struggled to control the goose grass invading his fields.
  • Despite being a weed, some varieties of goose grass can be used as hay for livestock.
  • We found patches of goose grass, its silvery leaves glinting in the sunlight.
  • Be careful not to brush against the goose grass; its curved prickles can catch on your clothes.

Advanced Usage

• As a common name for multiple species: The term "goose grass" is a common name applied to several distinct plant species. The specific plant referred to must often be inferred from the regional or botanical context.
  • In this botanical guide, 'goose grass' refers to three different species across various genera.

Variants and Related Words

• Cleavers (n): A common name for one of the prickly annual plants also known as goose grass ().
• Silverweed (n): A name sometimes associated with the low-growing perennial form of goose grass ().
• Yard-grass (n): A name for the annual weedy grass ().

Synonyms

• Cleavers (for the prickly annual variety).
• Catchweed (for the prickly annual variety).
• Silverweed (for the low-growing perennial variety).

Related Phrases

• Sticky weed: An informal name often used interchangeably for the prickly annual form of goose grass that clings to surfaces.

Noun

1. coarse annual grass having fingerlike spikes of flowers; native to Old World tropics; a naturalized weed elsewhere
2. annual weedy grass used for hay
3. low-growing perennial having leaves silvery beneath; northern United States; Europe; Asia
4. annual having the stem beset with curved prickles; North America and Europe and Asia