Definition

Noun: 1. A fast-growing, climbing, perennial vine (Pueraria montana var. lobata) native to eastern Asia: It is characterized by tuberous roots, hairy leaves with three leaflets, and clusters of purple flowers. 2. An invasive plant species: Particularly in the southeastern United States, where it is known for covering and often smothering other vegetation, structures, and landscapes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The abandoned house was completely engulfed by kudzu.
  • Farmers initially planted kudzu to control soil erosion.
  • The spread of kudzu has transformed the ecology of many areas.

Advanced Usage

• "Kudzu problem" or "kudzu infestation": Refers to the ecological and economic issue caused by the vine's uncontrolled growth.
  • The county has a serious kudzu problem along its highways.
• Used metaphorically to describe something that spreads uncontrollably and is difficult to stop.
  • The new regulations spread through the bureaucracy like kudzu.

Variants and Related Words

• Kudzu vine: A more descriptive term emphasizing its growth form.
  • They spent the weekend clearing kudzu vine from the fence line.

Synonyms

• Creeper
• Invasive vine
• Pueraria lobata (scientific name)

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Grow like kudzu": An idiom meaning to spread or multiply very rapidly and aggressively.
  • The rumor about the merger grew like kudzu through the office.

Noun

1. fast-growing vine from eastern Asia having tuberous starchy roots and hairy trifoliate leaves and racemes of purple flowers followed by long hairy pods containing many seeds; grown for fodder and forage and root starch; widespread in the southern United States