water orchid
- noun
- US
:
orquídea de agua
- Local authorities are working to remove water orchid from nearby lakes to prevent clogs.
Examples
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The spread of water orchid in the river has made boating almost impossible.
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We spotted beautiful water orchid blossoms floating near the riverbank during our trip.
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The water orchid blooms beautifully in summer.
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Are water orchids common in Florida?
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Local authorities are working to remove water orchid from nearby lakes to prevent clogs.
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The spread of water orchid in the river has made boating almost impossible.
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We spotted beautiful water orchid blossoms floating near the riverbank during our trip.
Synonyms
A tropical water plant with floating leaves and big blue flowers that can block waterways
A floating plant called water hyacinth with thick leaves and purple flowers that grows fast and clogs waterways
A floating plant with thick leaves and blue or purple flowers that grows fast and blocks rivers
A tropical water plant with round floating leaves and purple flowers
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound 'water orchid' is a straightforward noun–noun construction meaning an orchid associated with water (an orchid that grows in or on water), so a B1 learner who knows 'water' and 'orchid' can readily infer this subtype. This kind of compositional naming of subtypes is common in English and other languages, making the expression transparent.
Etymology
The name water orchid comes from the simple image of an orchid that lives on water, with big floating leaves and blue flowers. Because these plants can spread into thick mats that 'clog' rivers and stop boats, the name now means this tropical plant that grows in water and often causes blockages.
