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Glite Dictionary
Toxicodendron radicans

Toxicodendron radicans

9.9
A climbing or spreading North American plant with three-part leaves that makes an oil causing a skin rash when touched
  • noun
  • /ˌtɒksɪˈkoʊdɛndrən ˈreɪdɪkənz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Toxicodendron radicans
  • Hikers are warned to avoid touching Toxicodendron radicans because it can cause a severe rash.

Examples

  • The three-part leaves of Toxicodendron radicans are a distinguishing feature of this harmful plant.

  • The white berries of Toxicodendron radicans are eaten by birds even though the plant is toxic to humans.

  • Research on Toxicodendron radicans helped scientists better understand allergic reactions.

  • Be careful of Toxicodendron radicans when hiking in the woods.

  • Many people are allergic to Toxicodendron radicans.

  • Hikers are warned to avoid touching Toxicodendron radicans because it can cause a severe rash.

  • Many people are allergic to Toxicodendron radicans, leading to uncomfortable skin reactions.

Synonyms

poison ivy
vsToxicodendron radicans
  • US
9 4.2

A climbing plant with three leaflets and white berries that causes an itchy rash when touched

is the scientific botanical name highlighting spread and irritating oil
Rhus radicans
vsToxicodendron radicans
  • Specialized
9.9

A climbing plant with three-part leaves and white berries that makes an oil causing skin rashes when touched

is the modern Latin name used for the same climbing species
poison mercury
vsToxicodendron radicans
  • US
9.9

A climbing plant with three joined leaves and white berries that makes a skin rash when you touch it

is the botanical term stressing spreading habit and irritating oil
markweed
vsToxicodendron radicans
  • US
9.9

A climbing plant with three-part leaves and white berries that can cause an itchy rash

is the broader North American botanical name noting three-part leaves and spread

Surface Forms

Toxicodendron radicans singular
Toxicodendron radicans plural

Morphology

Toxicodendron + radicans

This is a scientific Latin binomial: the first element 'Toxicodendron' clearly signals a toxic/irritant plant so a learner who knows that part can infer danger, but the species epithet 'radicans' is a Latin form (not a common English word) and its specific sense of 'rooting/creeping' or the exact identity (poison ivy) would not be predictable to a B1 learner. Because only part of the meaning (toxicity) is recoverable while the full referent and growth habit require specialized or Latin knowledge, the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Toxicodendron radicans gets its name from two parts: toxicodendron meaning 'poison tree' and radicans meaning 'rooting' or 'spreading'. So the name gives a clear image of a poisonous plant that takes root and spreads, which fits this plant that causes a bad skin 'rash' when you touch it.