arctic willow

8.0

A low spreading bush that grows in the Arctic

noun
/ˈɑrk.tɪk ˈwɪ.loʊ/

: sauce ártico

The arctic willow is adapted to survive in harsh, cold environments above the tree line.

Examples

Many Arctic animals rely on the arctic willow as a food source during the summer months.
During their expedition, they documented the growth patterns of arctic willow across the tundra.
The arctic willow grows in harsh conditions.
Many arctic willows thrive in cold climates.
Many Arctic animals rely on the arctic willow as a food source during the summer months.
During their expedition, they documented the growth patterns of arctic willow across the tundra.
The arctic willow is adapted to survive in harsh, cold environments above the tree line.

Synonyms

Salix arctica

vsarctic willow

Specialized

9.9

A low creeping shrub that grows in the Arctic tundra

has the common name form rather than the scientific one

Surface Forms

arctic willow singular

arctic willows plural

Morphology

Arctic + willow

The noun is transparently compositional: a B1 learner who knows 'Arctic' and 'willow' will infer it refers to a willow associated with Arctic regions (i.e. a willow that grows in cold northern places). Specific botanical details like its low, creeping habit may be new, but the core meaning is directly derivable and follows a common adjective + noun pattern found across languages.

Etymology

Arctic willow is named for being a kind of willow that lives in the Arctic, the very cold northern land. It grows low to the ground to stay warm and feed animals, so the name now means a 'small shrub' that survives in cold places.