giant cane

7.3

A tall grass that grows in thick groups in the southern United States

noun
/ˈdʒaɪənt keɪn/

: caña gigante

The riverbank was lined with thick stands of giant cane that provided cover for wildlife.

Examples

Many Southern wetlands feature giant cane as an important part of the ecosystem.
Historically, Native Americans used giant cane for weaving baskets and building shelters.
The giant cane grows near the river.
Many birds nest in the giant cane thickets.
Historically, Native Americans used giant cane for weaving baskets and building shelters.
Many Southern wetlands feature giant cane as an important part of the ecosystem.
The riverbank was lined with thick stands of giant cane that provided cover for wildlife.

Synonyms

Arundinaria gigantea

vsgiant cane

Specialized

9.9

A tall bamboo plant from the southern United States that grows in thick groups

is the everyday common name rather than the botanical term

cane reed

vsgiant cane

7.5

Tall grass that grows in thick groups near rivers in the southern United States

is the specific species name used for that same grass

Antonyms

short-grass

1 6.9

Grass that stays short and survives with little rain on dry open plains

How Tall

giant cane

7.3

cane

60 3.2

reed

29 1.9

grass

521 1.0

Surface Forms

giant cane singular

giant canes plural

Morphology

giant + cane

The noun phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'giant' (very large) modifies 'cane' (a reed-like stem), so the meaning 'a very large cane/reed grass' is directly derivable from the parts. Even though 'cane' can also mean a walking stick, in botanical contexts the compound is transparent and a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer this sense.

Etymology

Giant cane is a name that comes from the plant's look: giant (very tall) and cane (a strong reed). People used these long, reed-like stems for baskets and shelters, so today the name means the 'tall grass' that grows in thick groups.