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waterweed

waterweed

7.8
A plant that grows under water in ponds or aquariums and spreads quickly
  • noun
  • /ˈwɔːtərˌwiːd/
translation icon : hierba de agua
  • During our nature walk, we spotted several patches of waterweed floating on the surface of the pond.

Examples

  • Quoyle knew the flavor of brack and waterweed.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Ecologists are concerned about the spread of waterweed in freshwater ecosystems due to its invasive growth.

  • They would swim within the clinging and dense waterweeds shown, which other local people would not do.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Taian poled toward him, knelt, and put her arms out; he was covered with waterweed and mud, but didn't bother to rinse himself.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Many common names such as waterweed, pondweed, and riverweed are unwarranted but have probably originated because of the tendency for water plants to grow in luxuriant beds formed by vigorous vegetative growth.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Once it’s over, the Pigoons go for a dip in the swimming pool; the fact that it’s growing algae and waterweeds and has a lively population of frogs does not deter them...

    Academic text (2018)
  • The lake was filled with waterweed, creating a lush green habitat for fish.

Synonyms

Elodea
vswaterweed
  • Specialized
8.9

A small water plant that grows completely underwater in ponds and aquariums

is one common invasive member of that genus noted for rapid growth
Elodea canadensis
vswaterweed
  • Specialized
8.1

A water plant from North America with long green stems that grows in ponds

is the broader invasive group rather than a single regional species
dense-leaved elodea
vswaterweed
8.8

A water plant with deep green, dense leaves used to add oxygen to aquariums

is the invasive freshwater plant often placed in a different genus by some sources

Surface Forms

waterweed singular
waterweeds plural

Morphology

waterweed = water + weed (transparent) = water + weed

Direct compound of 'water' + 'weed' whose meaning (a weed that grows in water) is easily derived by learners.

Etymology

Waterweed is a simple compound: water 'water' + weed 'unwanted plant', so it literally names a plant that behaves like a weed in water. That's why the word refers to a fast-growing submerged plant that can choke ponds and tanks.