lambkill

9.9

A low evergreen bush with narrow leaves and small red flowers that is poisonous to young sheep

noun
/ˈlæmˌkɪl/

Specialized

: lambkill

The farmer warned us that lambkill grows near the edge of the pasture and can harm young sheep.

Examples

Livestock losses increased until the owners discovered lambkill growing among the grazing areas.
Hikers admired the bright red blossoms of lambkill along the woodland trail.
The lambkill plant can be found in many forests.
Farmers should be cautious of lambkill in their pastures.
The farmer warned us that lambkill grows near the edge of the pasture and can harm young sheep.
Livestock losses increased until the owners discovered lambkill growing among the grazing areas.
Hikers admired the bright red blossoms of lambkill along the woodland trail.

Synonyms

sheep laurel

vslambkill

Specialized

9.9

A small North American bush with narrow leaves and red flowers that is poisonous to young farm animals

is a traditional name highlighting danger to young grazing animals

pig laurel

vslambkill

Specialized

9.9

A small bush with narrow leaves and red flowers that is poisonous to young farm animals

is a regional common name focusing on harm to young animals

Kalmia angustifolia

vslambkill

Specialized

9.9

A small North American shrub with narrow leaves and red flowers that is poisonous to young farm animals

is the familiar common-name form used in everyday speech

Surface Forms

lambkill singular

lambkills plural

Morphology

lambkill = lamb + kill (transparent) = lamb + kill

The name is a literal compound 'lamb' + 'kill' referring to a plant that can kill lambs, so an average learner can infer the basic meaning.

Etymology

Lambkill comes from the simple English parts lamb ('young sheep') and kill ('to cause death'). People called the shrub this because its leaves and flowers are poisonous and can kill young sheep.