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Glite Dictionary
alkali grass

alkali grass

9.3
A plant with grasslike leaves that grows in salty or alkaline soil
  • noun
  • /ˈæl.kə.laɪ ɡræs/
  • US
translation icon : hierba alcalina
  • The alkali grass thrives in areas where few other plants can survive.

Examples

  • Many alkali grasses can tolerate high salinity.

  • Alfalfa is often planted alongside alkali grass in fields with saline soil.

  • Researchers are studying the resilience of alkali grass to better understand soil adaptation.

  • The alkali grass thrives in arid conditions.

  • In the desert, the alkali grass grows well despite the harsh conditions.

  • Farmers often rely on alkali grass to improve soil health in saline areas.

  • The alkali grass provides habitat for various small wildlife species in its ecosystem.

Synonyms

Zigadenus elegans
vsalkali grass
  • Specialized
9.9

A poisonous plant from western North America with long thin leaves and pale greenish-white flowers

emphasizes occurrence in saline or alkaline soils rather than appearance or region
saltgrass
vsalkali grass
7.0

Grass that grows in salty soil near the sea or in marshes

focuses on western North America and plant appearance rather than coastal habitat

Surface Forms

alkali grass singular
alkali grasses plural

Morphology

alkali + grass

The phrase is a straightforward modifier + noun combination: 'alkali' (relating to alkaline soils) modifies 'grass', so the phrase denotes grass associated with or tolerant of alkali/alkaline soils. Given knowledge of both constituents, a B1 learner can directly infer this compositional meaning without prior exposure.

Etymology

The plant name alkali grass comes from the kind of ground it grows in. Alkali means 'salty soil' and grass shows its grass-like leaves, so the name tells you it is a grass that lives where few other plants can grow.