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Glite Dictionary
pig laurel

pig laurel

9.9
A small bush with narrow leaves and red flowers that is poisonous to young farm animals
  • noun
  • /pɪg ˈlɔːrəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : laurel de cerdo
  • The farmer warned that pig laurel could be toxic if ingested by calves.

Examples

  • We found a cluster of pig laurel blooming along the edge of the forest.

  • Gardeners should be cautious when planting pig laurel near areas grazed by livestock.

  • The pig laurel blooms beautifully in the spring.

  • Farmers should be cautious of pig laurel near their livestock.

  • Farmers should be cautious when planting pig laurel near their livestock because it can be poisonous.

  • The farmer warned that pig laurel is toxic to young livestock if they eat the leaves or flowers.

  • Gardeners need to avoid areas with pig laurel to prevent accidental poisoning of grazing animals.

Synonyms

sheep laurel
vspig laurel
  • Specialized
9.9

A small North American bush with narrow leaves and red flowers that is poisonous to young farm animals

is identical in meaning but uses a different common name
Kalmia angustifolia
vspig laurel
  • Specialized
9.9

A small North American shrub with narrow leaves and red flowers that is poisonous to young farm animals

is the same species but given as the scientific name
lambkill
vspig laurel
  • Specialized
9.9

A low evergreen bush with narrow leaves and small red flowers that is poisonous to young sheep

focuses on harm to young livestock in general rather than specific animals

Surface Forms

pig laurel singular
pig laurels plural

Morphology

pig + laurel

The compound clearly names a kind of laurel (plant) modified by 'pig', so a B1 learner who knows both words would plausibly infer it is a plant associated with pigs or affecting pigs. However, the exact species identity (Kalmia angustifolia) and the specific information that it is a dwarf shrub poisonous to young livestock are not predictable from the constituents alone, so the relation is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Pig laurel may come from farmers' warnings: young pigs that ate this low laurel shrub often became sick, so people put pig with laurel to show the danger. That's why the name now refers to a small shrub with narrow leaves and small red flowers that is 'poisonous' to young livestock.