possum haw
- noun
- /ˈpɑsəm hɔ/
- US
:
Ilex decidua
- In late autumn, the possum haw is covered with clusters of bright red berries.
Examples
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The leaves of the possum haw turn yellow before falling in the winter.
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Many birds are attracted to the possum haw in the fall.
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Gardeners often plant possum haw to attract birds to their yards.
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The possum haw produces beautiful red berries.
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In late autumn, the possum haw is covered with clusters of bright red berries.
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Gardeners often plant possum haw to attract birds to their yards.
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Many birds are attracted to the possum haw in the fall.
Synonyms
A small tree or bush that loses its leaves and has bright red berries
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun 'haw' clearly denotes a thorny shrub with red berries, and 'possum' serves as a modifier, so a learner who knows both words can infer this is a kind of haw (i.e. a shrub) likely associated with possums. However, the precise botanical identity and specific properties (deciduous, range, exact appearance) are not derivable from the constituents alone, making the meaning only partially predictable.
Etymology
Possum haw may come from two simple ideas: possum because possums and birds eat its bright red berries, and haw an old word for a 'berry' or 'hedge shrub'. So the name helps us remember that it is a shrub with red berries that animals like to eat.
