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Glite Dictionary
Phalaris canariensis

Phalaris canariensis

8.4
A grass from the Mediterranean grown for seeds that feed pet birds
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Phalaris canariensis
  • Many pet owners buy Phalaris canariensis seeds to feed their caged birds.

Examples

  • The nutritious seeds of Phalaris canariensis make it popular among bird enthusiasts.

  • Fields of Phalaris canariensis are cultivated in Mediterranean regions for the pet trade.

  • Many bird owners prefer Phalaris canariensis for their pets.

  • The seeds of Phalaris canariensis are rich in nutrients.

  • Many pet owners buy Phalaris canariensis seeds to feed their caged birds.

  • The nutritious seeds of Phalaris canariensis make it popular among bird enthusiasts.

  • The seeds of Phalaris canariensis are rich in nutrients, making them an ideal choice for bird feed.

Synonyms

canary grass
vsPhalaris canariensis
7.9

A grass from the Canary Islands with seeds people use to feed caged birds

is native to Mediterranean regions rather than to those islands

Surface Forms

Phalaris canariensis singular
Phalaris canariensises plural

Morphology

Phalaris + canariensis

This is a Latin binomial (genus + species epithet) so the meaning — a species of Phalaris associated with the Canaries — is compositionally predictable if a learner recognises 'Phalaris' as a grass genus and 'canariensis' as an adjectival form meaning 'from the Canary Islands'. However, average B1 learners typically do not know Latin species epithets and 'canariensis' is not a common English word, so the connection is only partially transparent and depends on extra botanical/Latin knowledge.

Etymology

Phalaris canariensis is the scientific name for a grass whose small seeds are used to feed pet birds. The second word, canariensis, means 'from the Canary Islands', and because people fed the tiny seeds to canary birds the plant became known as 'canary grass'.