American hop
- noun
- /əˈmɛrɪkən hɑp/
- US
- The American hop plant is known for its climbing ability.
Examples
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Botanists studied the American hop to compare its chemical properties to those of related species.
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Unlike the European variety, the American hop thrives in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains.
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The American hop is often used by craft brewers for its unique flavor profile.
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Many brewers prefer using American hops for their unique flavor.
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Many craft beers use American hops to give their brews a unique flavor.
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The brewmaster chose American hops for their strong aroma and bitterness.
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In recent years, American hops have gained popularity among homebrewers for their distinct citrus notes.
Synonyms
A climbing plant with heart-shaped leaves used to give beer a bitter taste
A North American plant like the European hop but not used for brewing
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is directly compositional: 'American' specifies origin and 'hop' names the plant, so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a hop (a plant used in brewing) from America. This adjective + noun construction is a common, cross-linguistic pattern and does not require idiomatic knowledge.
Etymology
American hop got its name when early settlers found a wild climbing plant in North America that looked like the European hop and was used to make beer. Calling it American showed where it grew, so today the name means a native North American climbing plant 'used in brewing'.