burning bush
- noun
- Specialized
:
dittano
- On a warm afternoon, the vapor from the burning bush can actually ignite if exposed to a flame.
Examples
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Botanists studied the burning bush to understand its unusual ability to emit flammable gases.
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The burning bush in our garden released a strange scent during the hottest part of summer.
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The burning bush is known for its unique fragrance.
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Many gardeners admire the burning bush for its beauty.
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Botanists studied the burning bush to understand its unusual ability to emit flammable gases.
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On a warm afternoon, the vapor from the burning bush can actually ignite if exposed to a flame.
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The burning bush in our garden released a strange scent during the hottest part of summer.
Synonyms
A garden herb with white flowers that gives off flammable gas in hot weather
A plant from Europe and Asia that lives for many years and gives off flammable gas when hot
A long-lived plant with white or pink flowers that smells strong and gives off a flammable vapor on hot days
A plant from Europe and Asia with white or pink flowers that release a flammable gas on hot days
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound literally combines 'burning' + 'bush', so a B1 learner who knows both words would likely infer it refers to a bush associated with burning or flammable properties, giving a clear partial clue to its meaning. However, the specific botanical sense (a particular Eurasian herb that emits flammable vapour) and cultural/biblical nuances are not fully predictable from the constituents alone, so the expression is not fully transparent.
Etymology
Burning bush also names a plant called Dictamnus albus that gives off a flammable vapor on hot days. People saw the plant's vapor catch fire and called it a burning bush, which explains the name.
