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Glite Dictionary
Rhus toxicodendron

Rhus toxicodendron

9.9
A shrub that causes an itchy skin rash when you touch it, called poison oak
  • noun
  • /rəs ˌtɒkɪkoʊˈdɛndrən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Rhus toxicodendron
  • Contact with Rhus toxicodendron can result in an itchy, uncomfortable rash.

Examples

  • Hikers should be cautious of Rhus toxicodendron when walking through southeastern woodlands.

  • Many people develop a rash from Rhus toxicodendron exposure.

  • Botanists often study Rhus toxicodendron to understand allergic skin reactions.

  • I accidentally brushed against a Rhus toxicodendron while hiking.

  • Contact with Rhus toxicodendron can result in an itchy, uncomfortable rash.

  • Hikers should be cautious of Rhus toxicodendron when walking through southeastern woodlands.

  • Many people develop a rash from Rhus toxicodendron exposure.

Synonyms

poison oak
vsRhus toxicodendron
  • US
3 6.5

A climbing or spreading plant with oak-like leaves that makes oil causing skin rash

refers to the same plant but not emphasising growth habit
Toxicodendron quercifolium
vsRhus toxicodendron
  • Specialized
9.9

A poisonous bush that causes a skin rash when you touch it

is the older botanical name rather than the modern genus label
eastern poison oak
vsRhus toxicodendron
  • US
7.9

A plant that causes a skin rash when you touch it

refers to the species generally, not only the eastern regional form
Rhus quercifolia
vsRhus toxicodendron
  • Specialized
9.9

A poisonous shrub from the southeastern United States that causes a rash when its leaves or sap touch the skin

describes rash from skin contact generally, not only leaves or sap

Surface Forms

Rhus toxicodendron singular
Rhus toxicodendron plural

Morphology

Rhus + Toxicodendron

The term is a compositional botanical name: 'Rhus' denotes sumacs and 'Toxicodendron' literally signals a toxic/tree-like shrub that causes skin irritation, so the referent (a poisonous shrub causing rashes, i.e. poison oak/related plants) is directly inferable. This is a factual, non-idiomatic compound rather than an idiom, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent meanings can understand it.

Etymology

Rhus toxicodendron is an old scientific name that gives a clear picture: Rhus is the shrub group and toxicodendron literally means 'poison tree', because touching the plant causes an itchy skin rash. That's why the name points to its poisonous effect.