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Glite Dictionary
spotted hemlock

spotted hemlock

9.9
A tall plant with purple spots on its stems and very poisonous roots that grow in wet places
  • noun
  • /ˈspɑːtɪd ˈhɛmˌlɑk/
  • US
translation icon : cicuta moteada
  • Farmers are warned to keep livestock away from spotted hemlock because of its toxic roots.

Examples

  • The spotted hemlock grows in wet meadows and marshes throughout the northeastern United States.

  • The purple-spotted stems help botanists identify spotted hemlock from other similar-looking plants.

  • The spotted hemlock is highly toxic to humans.

  • Many animals avoid the spotted hemlock due to its toxicity.

  • Farmers are warned to keep livestock away from spotted hemlock because of its toxic roots.

  • The spotted hemlock grows in wet meadows and marshes throughout the northeastern United States.

  • The purple-spotted stems help botanists identify spotted hemlock from other similar-looking plants.

Synonyms

spotted cowbane
vsspotted hemlock
  • US
9.9

A tall poisonous plant with purple-spotted stems and roots like small potatoes

is the same plant but described with a more specific botanical classification
spotted water hemlock
vsspotted hemlock
  • US
9.9

A tall poisonous plant with purple-spotted stems that grows near water and whose roots are deadly if eaten

is native to northeastern North America rather than across all of North America
water hemlock
vsspotted hemlock
  • UK
9.9

A tall very poisonous plant that grows near streams and has leaves and roots that can kill animals or people

is biennial rather than perennial in life cycle

Surface Forms

spotted hemlock singular
spotted hemlocks plural

Morphology

spotted + hemlock

The meaning 'a hemlock that has spots' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'spotted' (characterized by spots) with 'hemlock' (a poisonous plant). While specialized botanical details in the full definition are not inferable, the core notion—a type of hemlock with spots—is immediately clear to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Spotted hemlock is named for the purple marks on its tall stems, the spotted, and for being a kind of hemlock. Its potato-like roots are very 'poisonous', so the name warns people it is a dangerous plant.