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Glite Dictionary
Vallisneria spiralis

Vallisneria spiralis

9.9
A water plant with long ribbon leaves often used in freshwater aquariums
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Vallisneria spiralis
  • Many aquarists choose Vallisneria spiralis for its graceful, ribbonlike leaves and ease of care.

Examples

  • The rapid growth of Vallisneria spiralis makes it an excellent choice for freshwater aquariums.

  • In some regions, Vallisneria spiralis is used to help oxygenate ponds and lakes.

  • The aquarium features beautiful Vallisneria spiralis plants.

  • Can you identify the Vallisneria spiralis in this tank?

  • Many aquarists choose Vallisneria spiralis for its graceful, ribbonlike leaves and ease of care.

  • In some regions, Vallisneria spiralis is used to help oxygenate ponds and lakes.

  • The rapid growth of Vallisneria spiralis makes it an excellent choice for freshwater aquariums.

Synonyms

eelgrass
vsVallisneria spiralis
  • UK
1 8.1

A long plant with narrow leaves that grows underwater and forms meadows for fish

is grown for aquarium use rather than forming marine meadows in the sea
tape grass
vsVallisneria spiralis
7.8

A long underwater plant with thin, ribbon-like leaves that grows in fresh water

is commonly kept in aquariums rather than only living in the wild
wild celery
vsVallisneria spiralis
7.2

A plant that grows underwater with long narrow leaves

is one specific species in that genus rather than many species

Surface Forms

Vallisneria spiralis singular
Vallisneria spiralis plural

Morphology

Vallisneria + spiralis

This is a scientific Latin binomial (a proper name) where the parts are taxonomic labels rather than everyday English words; 'Vallisneria' is a genus name and 'spiralis' is a Latin-form descriptor not found in the learner dictionary. A B1 learner who only knows the written constituents would not be able to infer the referent 'submerged aquatic plant' without prior exposure or knowledge of Latin/taxonomy, so the expression is not compositionally transparent.

Etymology

The plant Vallisneria spiralis has long, thin ribbonlike leaves that wave under the water, so people often call it 'eelgrass' because the leaves look like grass under the surface. Because it grows fast and helps make oxygen, it is a common choice for 'aquariums' and ponds to keep fish and water healthy.