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Glite Dictionary
ash-key

ash-key

9.9
A seed with a thin wing from an ash tree that the wind carries
  • noun
  • /ˈæʃˌki/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sámara de fresno
  • Each ash-key contains a seed encased in a papery wing.

Examples

  • The ash-key floated gently on the breeze.

  • The park was covered in fallen ash-keys after the strong winds.

  • Children often collect ash-keys in autumn to watch them spin to the ground.

  • I found an ash-key in my garden.

  • Children often collect ash-keys in autumn to watch them spin to the ground.

  • Each ash-key contains a seed encased in a papery wing.

  • The park was covered in fallen ash-keys after the strong winds.

Surface Forms

ash-key singular
ash-keys plural

Morphology

ash-key = ash + key (semi-transparent) = ash + key

The components 'ash' and 'key' are clear, but 'key' meaning 'winged seed' is specialized/rare and may not be known to average learners.

Etymology

The word ash-key comes from the tree name ash and the English word key, which used to mean a small, winged 'seed' that looks a bit like a key. So an ash-key is the ash tree's 'key', a little winged seed that spins down in the wind.