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bog myrtle

bog myrtle

9.9
A shrub with bitter-smelling leaves and small white or purple flowers that grows in wet places
  • noun
  • /bɔg ˈmɪr.təl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mirto de pantano
  • The bog myrtle gives off a strong scent when its leaves are crushed.

Examples

  • You can find bog myrtle growing in abundance along the edges of the marsh.

  • Local people once used bog myrtle to flavor traditional dishes and beverages.

  • The bog myrtle thrives in wetland areas.

  • Many hikers enjoy the scent of bog myrtle in the marsh.

  • Local people once used bog myrtle to flavor traditional dishes and beverages.

  • The bog myrtle gives off a strong scent when its leaves are crushed.

  • You can find bog myrtle growing in abundance along the edges of the marsh.

Synonyms

Scotch gale
vsbog myrtle
  • UK
9.9

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

describes the same shrub but notes wider distribution and small pale flowers

Surface Forms

bog myrtle singular
bog myrtles plural

Morphology

bog + myrtle

The noun is clearly compositional: 'bog' (a wet, peaty area) + 'myrtle' (an aromatic shrub) yields a shrub associated with boggy/wet habitats. This noun-noun compound follows a common English pattern and is readily inferable by a B1 learner who knows both constituent meanings.

Etymology

Bog myrtle comes from two simple words: bog, meaning wet ground, and myrtle, meaning a fragrant 'shrub'. So the name tells you it is a bitter 'plant' with a strong smell that grows in marshy places.