Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of vetch plant: "hairy tare" refers to a specific European species of vetch, known scientifically as Vicia hirsuta. It is characterized by its slender, climbing stems and small, hairy pods.
   • A forage and cover crop: This plant is often cultivated for agricultural purposes, primarily to provide food for livestock (forage) and to improve soil quality (as a cover crop).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer planted hairy tare in the fall to enrich the soil.
  • Hairy tare is a common sight in fields across Europe.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical contexts: The term is used precisely to distinguish from other vetches like common vetch () or hairy vetch ().
  • The study compared the nitrogen fixation rates of hairy tare and hairy vetch.

Variants and Related Words

• Hairy vetch (n): A different, more robust species of vetch () also used as a cover crop.
• Tare (n): A general term for various vetch plants, especially those of the genus , or sometimes for a troublesome weed resembling wheat.
• Vetch (n): The common name for plants in the genus , which are leguminous climbing plants.

Synonyms

• Vicia hirsuta: The scientific Latin name.
• Tiny vetch: A common alternative name.
• Hairy pod vetch: A descriptive name referencing its characteristic pods.

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: The term almost exclusively refers to the specific plant species .
• Distinction from "Hairy Vetch": It is critical to note that "hairy tare" () and "hairy vetch" () are two distinct species, though both are used in agriculture. "Hairy vetch" is typically larger and more vigorous.

Noun

1. European vetch much cultivated as forage and cover crops