American parasol
- noun
- /əˈmɛrɪkən ˈpærəˌsɔl/
- US
:
paraguas americano
- The American parasol mushroom has a large, pale cap that is easily recognizable in the wild.
Examples
-
The American parasol is often found growing on grassy lawns during late summer.
-
Experts warn that the American parasol can be easily confused with similar but toxic species.
-
He picked a beautiful American parasol mushroom for his collection of fungi.
-
The American parasol is often found in wooded areas.
-
Many foragers seek the American parasol for its unique flavor.
-
While hiking, I discovered an American parasol mushroom growing near the path.
-
The distinctive shape of an American parasol makes it a popular subject for mushroom identification guides.
Synonyms
A mushroom with a pale cap and a stem thicker at the base
An edible mushroom with a tall stalk and a round cap that grows in woods in autumn
Surface Forms
Morphology
American + parasol
The compound labels a thing by the shape/property of a 'parasol' (umbrella-like), so there is a recognisable metaphorical link: something called a 'parasol' is likely umbrella-shaped. However, the specific meaning 'a type of agaric mushroom' is a language-specific lexicalization of that metaphor and is not fully predictable from 'American' + 'parasol' alone, especially given that many learners know 'parasol' only as an umbrella and would not necessarily infer a mushroom.
Etymology
American parasol comes from the mushroom's look: the word parasol means a 'small umbrella', and the pale cap spreads out like one. The word American points to where it was first found, so the name helps you picture a pale, umbrella-like mushroom with a stalk swollen near the base.
