nutgrass
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of perennial sedge: A widely distributed, tough, grass-like plant (sedge) that produces small, edible, nut-like tubers underground. It is often considered a persistent weed in gardens and agricultural fields.
Usage
- As a common noun (usually uncountable): Refers to the plant species as a whole or as a category of weed.
- The farmer struggled to eradicate the nutgrass from his cotton field.
- This herbicide is effective against nutgrass and other perennial weeds.
Advanced Usage
- Botanical Context: In formal or scientific contexts, "nutgrass" is often used to describe the plant's invasive characteristics and its hard-to-remove tuber system.
- The nutgrass infestation reduced the crop yield significantly.
Variants and Related Words
- Nut grass: An alternative spelling, often written as two words.
- Nutsedge: A more common synonym, especially in American English and horticulture.
- Cyperus rotundus: The scientific (Latin) name for the most common and invasive species referred to as nutgrass.
Synonyms
- Nutsedge: The most direct synonym.
- Coco-grass: A regional name.
- Java grass: Another regional name.
Notes
- Important Distinction: While "nutgrass" contains the word "grass," it is botanically a sedge, not a true grass. Sedges typically have solid, triangular stems, while grasses have round, hollow stems. This is often remembered by the rhyme: "Sedges have edges, and grasses have knees."
- Edible Part: The "nutlike tubers" are small, underground growths that store energy for the plant. While edible, they are not a common food source and are primarily noted for making the plant difficult to control.
Noun
- a widely distributed perennial sedge having small edible nutlike tubers