morning glory
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of flowering vine: "morning glory" refers to any of various fast-growing, twining plants belonging to the genus Ipomoea or related genera. They are known for their showy, funnel-shaped (trumpet-shaped) flowers that typically open in the morning and close later in the day.
Usage and Examples
- General Use: The term is used to describe the plant itself, its flowers, or the species collectively.
- The fence was covered in beautiful blue morning glories.
- Morning glory is a popular annual vine for covering trellises quickly.
- She planted morning glory seeds along the garden path.
Advanced Usage
- Botanical Context: In botanical or gardening contexts, "morning glory" can specify particular species, such as (common morning glory) or (heavenly blue morning glory).
- The 'Heavenly Blue' morning glory is prized for its vibrant azure flowers.
Variants and Related Words
- Ipomoea (n): The scientific genus name for most morning glory species.
- Bindweed (n): A related plant in the family Convolvulaceae, often considered a weed, which shares the funnel-shaped flower shape but is typically not referred to as a "morning glory."
Synonyms
- Convolvulus (n): An older or more formal botanical term for some plants in the morning glory family.
- Twining vine (n): A descriptive phrase for its growth habit.
Notes on Meaning
- The defining characteristic of a "morning glory" is its flower's behavior (opening in the morning) and shape (funnel-shaped). The name is a direct reference to this daily cycle.
- While most species close their flowers in the afternoon, some cultivated varieties may remain open longer. The core meaning remains tied to this diurnal pattern.
Noun
- any of various twining vines having funnel-shaped flowers that close late in the day