water dragon
- noun
:
dragón de agua
- The water dragon blooms in early summer along the banks of the river.
Examples
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Her garden features a rare water dragon thriving in the shaded pond area.
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The water dragon thrives in moist environments, often attracting bees and butterflies.
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Botanists noted the abundance of water dragons in the marsh this year.
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The water dragon blooms beautifully in spring.
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Have you seen a water dragon in the wetlands?
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The water dragon is commonly found in wetlands, where it brings color with its vibrant flowers.
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In the swamp, we spotted a rare water dragon with bright yellow blooms amongst the greenery.
Surface Forms
Morphology
A B1 learner who knows 'water' and 'dragon' would most likely interpret 'water dragon' as an aquatic or gliding lizard/mythical creature rather than a plant; the plant sense is a lexicalized common-name use where 'dragon' is metaphorical and the referent (a wetland plant with particular flowers) is not derivable from the parts. Because the meaning shifts category (animal → plant) and relies on conventional naming, it is unpredictable for learners and thus opaque.
Etymology
Water dragon may come from how this 'plant' lives and looks: water shows its wet home and dragon describes long, curved leaves and bold flowers that can seem like a dragon's shape. That's why water dragon now means a plant found in 'wet or swampy areas' that often has white or yellow flowers.
