strawberry pigweed
- noun
- UK
:
hierba de fresa
- The red, berrylike fruit of the strawberry pigweed is a distinctive feature of this plant.
Examples
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In late summer, the clusters of greenish flowers on the strawberry pigweed attract various pollinators.
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Gardeners are advised to remove strawberry pigweed to prevent it from spreading.
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The strawberry pigweed thrived in the disturbed soil near the edge of the field.
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The strawberry pigweed is often found in gardens.
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I saw a strawberry pigweed growing near the fence.
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The red, berrylike fruit of the strawberry pigweed is a favorite among children in the summer.
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Gardeners often struggle with strawberry pigweed because it can quickly take over flower beds.
Synonyms
A small plant that lives for one year with red berrylike fruit and edible leaves
A European annual plant with small red berries and edible leaves
A European plant that lives for one year with small green flowers and bright red berries
Surface Forms
Morphology
The name describes a type of pigweed that has strawberry-like, red pulpy berries, so its meaning is directly compositional from 'strawberry' + 'pigweed'. This follows a common noun+noun naming pattern for plants, which a B1 learner who knows both constituents could readily infer.
Etymology
Strawberry pigweed may come from the plant's look and who ate it. The small red, berry-like fruits make it look a little like a strawberry, and because it was a common 'weed' that pigs often ate people called it pigweed. That's why the name means a wild plant with red, soft fruits.
