Scotch gale

9.9

A small bush with bitter, fragrant leaves that grows in wet places

noun

: mirtillo

Herbalists have used Scotch gale for centuries because of its fragrant leaves.

Examples

We spotted several bushes of Scotch gale growing by the lakeside.
The Scotch gale is often found in wetland areas.
The wetland was filled with the distinctive aroma of Scotch gale.
Many herbalists use Scotch gale for its fragrant leaves.
Herbalists have used Scotch gale for centuries because of its fragrant leaves.
The wetland was filled with the distinctive aroma of Scotch gale.
We spotted several bushes of Scotch gale growing by the lakeside.

Synonyms

Myrica gale

vsScotch gale

Specialized

9.9

A small shrub with a strong smell and bitter leaves that grows in bogs

is the common local name rather than the scientific form

sweet gale

vsScotch gale

9.9

A small bush that grows in wet places and has bitter leaves with a strong smell

is the alternate common name used for that plant

bog myrtle

vsScotch gale

Specialized

9.9

A shrub with bitter-smelling leaves and small white or purple flowers that grows in wet places

focuses on bitter fragrant leaves rather than flowers or perennial detail

Surface Forms

Scotch gale singular

Scotch gales plural

Morphology

Scotch + gale

Although 'Scotch' transparently indicates a Scottish connection, the overall meaning 'a bog shrub (Myrica gale)' cannot be derived from the constituents: 'gale' is either missing from the provided dictionary entry or is usually known as 'a strong wind', which would mislead learners toward a weather meaning. As a common name for a plant species, this usage is lexicalized and unpredictable for a B1 learner who only knows the literal constituent meanings.

Etymology

Scotch gale is the name of a fragrant bog shrub that often grows in Scotland; Scotch points to its Scottish home and gale was an old word for this bitter, scented bush. That's why the name refers to the specific plant people used for scent and flavor.