lupine
/'lu:pain/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Of or relating to or characteristic of wolves: Pertaining to, connected with, or having the qualities of a wolf or wolves.
Noun:
- Any plant of the genus Lupinus; bearing erect spikes of usually purplish-blue flowers: A flowering plant, often with tall spikes of pea-like flowers, commonly found in shades of blue, purple, or sometimes yellow or white.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- The documentary highlighted the pack's lupine social structure.
- Her eyes had a fierce, almost lupine intensity.
Noun:
- The field was covered in beautiful blue lupine.
- She planted lupine in her garden to attract bees and butterflies.
Advanced Usage
- In a figurative sense: The adjective can be used metaphorically to describe something with wolf-like qualities, such as cunning, ferocity, or a lean, predatory appearance.
- His lupine grin suggested he was planning something mischievous.
Variants and Related Words
- Lupin: (Noun) A common alternative spelling for the plant, especially in British English.
- The garden featured a stunning display of lupins.
- Lupinus: (Noun) The scientific genus name for these plants.
Synonyms
- Adjective: Wolfish, wolflike, canine (though 'canine' is more general for dogs).
- Noun: There is no direct common synonym for the plant, but it can be described as a "legume" or "flowering perennial."
Different Meanings
- The word has two distinct and unrelated meanings: one zoological (adjective) and one botanical (noun). Context is essential to determine which is intended.
Adjective
- of or relating to or characteristic of wolves
Noun
- any plant of the genus Lupinus; bearing erect spikes of usually purplish-blue flowers