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Glite Dictionary
Scotch asphodel

Scotch asphodel

9.9
A plant with spikes of white flowers that grows in the mountains of Europe
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : asfódelo escocés
  • Hikers admired the delicate white spikes of the Scotch asphodel along the trail.

Examples

  • The fields were dotted with blooming Scotch asphodel in early summer.

  • Botanists studied the ecology of Scotch asphodel growing in the highlands.

  • The Scotch asphodel blooms beautifully in the spring.

  • I saw a Scotch asphodel on my hike in the Alps.

  • Hikers admired the delicate white spikes of the Scotch asphodel along the trail.

  • The fields were dotted with blooming Scotch asphodel in early summer.

  • I saw a Scotch asphodel on my hike in the Alps.

Synonyms

Tofieldia pusilla
vsScotch asphodel
  • Specialized
9.9

A small mountain plant with spikes of white flowers

is similar in appearance but defined by resemblance rather than species identity
false asphodel
vsScotch asphodel
9.9

A plant that has long thin leaves at the base and small white flowers on a stem

is about mountain plants with white flower spikes not leaf shape or genus

Surface Forms

Scotch asphodel singular
Scotch asphodels plural

Morphology

Scotch + asphodel

The phrase is a straightforward modifier-noun combination: 'Scotch' (pertaining to Scotland) modifies 'asphodel' (a type of plant), so the meaning is simply an asphodel associated with Scotland. This compositional pattern is common and predictable, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the sense.

Etymology

Scotch asphodel probably comes from a flower like an asphodel that grows in Scotland. The word Scotch points to Scotland and asphodel describes its white, spike-like flowers, so the name means 'an asphodel-like plant from Scotland'.