thorn apple
1
9.9
- noun
- /θɔrn ˈæpəl/
:
datura
- Some species of thorn apple can cause hallucinations if ingested.
Examples
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We observed that the thorn apple plant attracted various insects with its trumpet-shaped flowers.
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A thorn apple plant can be recognized by its large, spiny fruit and white trumpet-shaped flowers.
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Farmers often remove thorn apple plants from their fields to protect livestock from poisoning.
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The seeds and leaves of the thorn apple are highly poisonous if ingested.
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The thorn apple plant has beautiful flowers.
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Many gardeners avoid thorn apples due to their toxicity.
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The garden was filled with thorn apples, their spiny fruits adding an exotic touch.
Synonyms
2
9.9
A plant with large trumpet-shaped flowers that is poisonous and can cause strange visions
A tall poisonous plant with bad-smelling leaves, large trumpet-shaped flowers, and spiky fruit
Surface Forms
Morphology
thorn + apple
The noun compound is compositionally descriptive: combining 'thorn' (spiny projection) with 'apple' signals a plant or fruit that is thorny or has apple-like fruit, so a B1 learner knowing both words will infer it denotes a thorny/fruiting plant. Specific botanical facts (that it refers to Datura and may be toxic or hallucinogenic) are not predictable from the parts, but the basic referent is transparently derived from the constituents.
Etymology
The name thorn apple comes from how the plant looks: its round fruit looks like an apple but is covered in sharp thorns, so you can easily picture a dangerous apple. Because these plants are often 'poisonous' and can make people feel strange, the name warns that they are not safe.