scarlet pimpernel
- noun
- /ˈskɑrlɪt ˈpɪmpərnɛl/
:
pimpinela escarlata
- The scarlet pimpernel is often found growing in open fields and gardens across Europe.
Examples
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She identified the flower as a scarlet pimpernel because of its vivid red petals.
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In our botany class, we learned that the scarlet pimpernel closes its flowers in response to rain.
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After the rain, the scarlet pimpernel blossoms remained tightly closed.
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The scarlet pimpernel blooms beautifully in my garden.
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Have you seen a scarlet pimpernel before?
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The vibrant scarlet pimpernel can be seen in bloom during the summer months.
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The scarlet pimpernel is a delightful addition to gardens, attracting various pollinators.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A small low plant with bright star-shaped flowers and sometimes edible leaves
A low plant with small red, white, or purple flowers that close before rain
A small garden flower with red petals that close before rain
A small plant with bright flowers that close before rain
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a regular adjective + noun composition: 'scarlet' names a vivid red color and 'pimpernel' names a small flowering plant, so their combination denotes a pimpernel that is scarlet. This is directly and predictably derivable from the constituents using standard English compounding, so a B1 learner who knows both words would understand the meaning.
Etymology
Scarlet pimpernel gets its name from its tiny bright flowers—scarlet means 'red' and pimpernel was an old word for this little field flower. The flowers often close when rain comes, so the name paints a clear picture and today simply means this small red wild plant.