California dandelion
- noun
- US
:
diente de león de California
- The California dandelion is known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in early spring.
Examples
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The leaves of the California dandelion resemble those of a cat's ears, making identification easier.
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Many wildflower enthusiasts search for the California dandelion in meadows every spring.
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Unlike the common dandelion, the California dandelion is less widespread but equally beautiful.
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The California dandelion blooms in early spring.
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Have you seen a California dandelion before?
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Many wildflower enthusiasts search for the California dandelion in meadows every spring.
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The leaves of the California dandelion resemble those of a cat's ears, making identification easier.
Synonyms
A small plant with yellow flowers that often grows in lawns
A small wild plant with yellow flowers and ear-shaped leaves
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'California' specifies a place/association and 'dandelion' names the plant, so the meaning ‘a type or dandelion associated with California’ is directly derivable from the parts. Place-name + noun compounds are common cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily understand this MWE.
Etymology
California dandelion was named because people saw a plant that looked like a small dandelion growing in California. Its yellow flower heads and leaves that look like a cat's ears give a clear picture, so the name now means this plant.
