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Glite Dictionary
common evening primrose

common evening primrose

6.4
A plant with yellow flowers that open in the evening and attract moths
  • noun
  • /ˈkɑːmən ˈiːvənɪŋ ˈprɪmroʊz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : primavera común
  • The common evening primrose blooms at dusk, attracting moths with its fragrant yellow blossoms.

Examples

  • Researchers are studying the seeds of the common evening primrose for their oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids.

  • Gardeners appreciate the resilience of common evening primrose in poor, sandy soils.

  • The common evening primrose blooms beautifully in my garden.

  • Many common evening primroses can be found along the roadside.

  • The common evening primrose is often planted in gardens for its bright yellow flowers that open at night.

  • In the wild, the common evening primrose can be seen thriving in various habitats, particularly in dry areas.

  • Many bees and butterflies are attracted to the common evening primrose because of its evening bloom.

Synonyms

evening primrose
vscommon evening primrose
1 6.8

A plant with yellow flowers that open in the evening

emphasizes its coarse biennial habit and native eastern North American origin
Oenothera biennis
vscommon evening primrose
  • Specialized
9.6

A tall plant that lives for two years and has yellow flowers that open in the evening

is the same plant but uses the familiar common name instead
German rampion
vscommon evening primrose
  • US
9.9

A rough plant that lives two years and has yellow flowers that open in the evening

is the same plant but prefers the widely used common name instead

Surface Forms

common evening primrose singular
common evening primroses plural

Morphology

common + evening + primrose

The meaning — a primrose (a type of flower) that is common and associated with the evening — is directly derivable from the constituents 'common' + 'evening' + 'primrose'. This follows regular English adjective + modifier + noun composition and is cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows the parts will understand the phrase.

Etymology

The plant common evening primrose gets its name from its yellow flowers that open in the evening and look like small primroses. The word 'common' shows it is widespread, so the name means a widely found plant that blooms at dusk.