Definition

Noun: 1. A leguminous plant of the genus Tephrosia: A plant characterized by having pinnate leaves (leaflets arranged on either side of a common stem), flowers that are white or purplish in color, and flat seed pods that are covered in hairs.

Usage Notes

• "Hoary pea" is a common name used for specific plants within the botanical genus . The term "hoary" refers to the grayish-white or whitish appearance often given by a covering of fine hairs on parts of the plant, such as the pods or stems.
• It is used as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• The field was dotted with the delicate purple flowers of the hoary pea.
• Botanists are studying a rare species of hoary pea native to this coastal region.
• You can identify the hoary pea by its flat, hairy pods.

Advanced Usage

• The genus name, , is often used in more scientific or precise contexts instead of the common name "hoary pea."
• Some species of (hoary peas) are known for their use in traditional fishing practices, as their roots and leaves contain compounds that can stun fish.

Variants and Related Words

• Tephrosia (n): The scientific genus name for the group of plants commonly called hoary peas.
• Goat's rue (n): A common name for , a specific species of hoary pea found in North America.

Synonyms

• Tephrosia (scientific name)
• Catgut (a common name for some species, though this can be ambiguous)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "hoary pea" refers specifically to plants in the genus. It is not a general term for any pea plant that appears grayish.
• It should not be confused with edible pea plants (genus ), as species are generally not cultivated for food.

Noun

1. a plant of the genus Tephrosia having pinnate leaves and white or purplish flowers and flat hairy pods