sừng trâu
Definition
- Noun:
- Strophanthus: A genus of tropical African and Asian vines and shrubs, known for producing seeds that contain toxic, heart-affecting compounds (cardiac glycosides). Historically used to make arrow poison and in traditional medicine.
- Buffalo horn: A literal translation of the compound word's components ("sừng" = horn, "trâu" = buffalo/water buffalo). This meaning is primarily used in the compound's literal sense or in specific cultural contexts, not as a common name for the plant.
Usage Examples
Noun (Botanical):
- Hạt của cây sừng trâu chứa chất độc mạnh. (The seeds of the strophanthus plant contain a powerful poison.)
- Một số loài sừng trâu được dùng trong y học cổ truyền. (Some species of strophanthus are used in traditional medicine.)
Noun (Literal):
- Chiếc tù và được làm từ sừng trâu. (The trumpet was made from buffalo horn.)
Advanced Usage
- The botanical name comes from Greek words for "twisted cord" and "flower," referring to the plant's long, twisted flower petals.
- The compound "sừng trâu" for the plant is likely a descriptive folk name, possibly referring to the shape of its seed pods or horns.
Variants and Related Words
- Strophanthus (n): The scientific genus name and direct English equivalent.
- Sừng (n): Horn.
- Trâu (n): Water buffalo.
Synonyms
- Botanical: Strophanthus vine, poison arrow vine.
- Literal: Water buffalo horn.
Notes on Usage
- In modern Vietnamese, when referring to the plant, the scientific name "Strophanthus" or the full compound "cây sừng trâu" (strophanthus plant) is used for clarity.
- The literal meaning "buffalo horn" is typically understood from context or specified as "sừng con trâu." The compound "sừng trâu" itself is strongly associated with the botanical term.