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Glite Dictionary
Scotch marigold

Scotch marigold

6.8
A plant with bright yellow or orange flowers often grown in gardens and used in herbal teas
  • noun
  • /ˈskɒtʃ ˈmɛrɪɡoʊld/
  • UK
translation icon : caléndula escocesa
  • The vibrant blossoms of the Scotch marigold brighten gardens throughout the summer months.

Examples

  • She planted rows of Scotch marigolds along the walkway for a colorful border.

  • Some herbal teas contain petals from the Scotch marigold for their supposed healing properties.

  • The Scotch marigold blooms beautifully in the summer.

  • I planted Scotch marigolds in my garden this year.

  • She planted rows of Scotch marigolds along the walkway for a colorful border.

  • The vibrant blossoms of the Scotch marigold brighten gardens throughout the summer months.

  • Some herbal teas contain petals from the Scotch marigold for their supposed healing properties.

Synonyms

Calendula officinalis
vsScotch marigold
  • Specialized
8.1

A garden plant with bright yellow or orange flowers used in teas and skin creams

is the everyday garden and herbal name for the same plant
common marigold
vsScotch marigold
3.7

A garden plant with bright yellow or orange flowers that people use for skin care

is the simpler common term used by gardeners and herbalists
pot marigold
vsScotch marigold
5.8

A common garden plant with bright yellow or orange flowers

is a regional or informal name rather than the scientific label
ruddles
vsScotch marigold
  • Archaic
9.9

A small garden flower with bright orange or yellow petals that blooms in summer

is one of several common names for this same plant species

Surface Forms

Scotch marigold singular
Scotch marigolds plural

Morphology

Scotch + marigold

The noun phrase is compositionally transparent: 'Scotch' (relating to Scotland) modifies 'marigold' (a type of flower), so a learner who knows both words can infer this refers to a variety or marigold associated with Scotland or named as such. This adj+noun naming pattern is common cross-linguistically for plant/food varieties, making the MWE meaning predictable for B1 learners.

Etymology

Scotch marigold may come from old Scottish gardens where people grew the bright orange marigold for decoration and simple 'healing' remedies. So the name links Scotch, meaning 'Scotland', and marigold, and today it refers to a common garden flower used for color and in 'herbal tea'.