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Glite Dictionary
goldthread

goldthread

9.9
A low-growing woodland plant with white flowers and bright yellow roots
  • noun
  • /ˈɡoʊlθrɛd/
  • US
translation icon : hilo de oro
  • The herbalist recommended goldthread for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Examples

  • Wildflowers such as goldthread, creeping snowberry, and large-leaved goldenrod, among others, grow in these forests, along with many other species from the lower elevations.

    Academic text (1998)

  • In the forest, I spotted goldthread among the vibrant green ferns.

  • Goldthread is known for its distinctive yellowish rootstock and delicate white flowers.

Synonyms

Coptis trifolia groenlandica
vsgoldthread
  • Specialized
9.9

A low plant from northern North American woods with leaves in groups of three, white flowers and a yellow root

is the common English name rather than a Latin trinomial
Coptis groenlandica
vsgoldthread
  • Specialized
9.9

A low plant that grows in woods with three-part leaves, yellow roots, and white flowers

is the common English name rather than a Latin scientific name
golden thread
vsgoldthread
  • US
9.1

A low plant that lives for many years in woods with three-part leaves, yellow roots and white flowers

is the same name but written as a single compound word

Surface Forms

goldthread singular
goldthreads plural

Morphology

goldthread = gold + thread (semi-transparent) = gold + thread

The compound literally evokes a golden, thread-like feature (the plant's yellowish thread-like rootstock), but the specific botanical referent (a particular woodland plant) is specialized and not guaranteed by the components alone.

Etymology

Goldthread comes from the two simple words gold and thread, with gold meaning 'yellow' and thread meaning 'thin string'. So imagine tiny 'gold' threads — the plant's bright yellow, thread-like roots under the forest floor, which is why the plant is called goldthread.