Definition

Noun: 1. A tall North American herb with sticky leaves and a strong, unpleasant odor: This term refers to a specific plant species (Polemonium viscosum) native to alpine regions, particularly the Rocky Mountains. It is known for its sticky (viscid) foliage and a distinctive, often disagreeable smell.

Usage Notes

• Specificity: "Skunk-weed" is a common name for a specific botanical species. It is not a general term for any foul-smelling plant.
• Register: This is an informal, common name. The formal botanical name is .
• Connotation: The name directly references the plant's strong odor, which is often compared to that of a skunk. It carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation due to the description of the smell as "offensive."

Examples

• Noun:
  • Hikers in the alpine meadows often notice the pungent scent of skunk-weed.
  • The sticky leaves of skunk-weed can trap small insects.
  • Botanists study Polemonium viscosum, commonly known as skunk-weed.

Advanced Usage

• As a descriptor: The compound name itself is descriptive. The "skunk-" prefix is used in other common plant names (e.g., skunk cabbage) to indicate a similarly strong, unpleasant odor.

Variants and Related Words

• Skunkweed (noun): A common alternative spelling, written as one word.
• Sky pilot (noun): Another common name for the same plant ().
• Sticky polemonium (noun): A descriptive name referencing its botanical genus and sticky texture.

Synonyms

• Polemonium viscosum (noun): The formal, scientific Latin name.
• Sky pilot (noun): A colloquial synonym.

Important Note on Meaning

• Caution: In some regional or slang contexts, "skunk weed" (often spelled as two words) can be a slang term for high-potency cannabis. However, based on the provided reference definition, this entry focuses solely on the primary botanical meaning of the herb . These are two distinct referents for the same common name.

Noun

1. tall herb of the Rocky Mountains having sticky leaves and an offensive smell