western poison oak
- noun
- /ˈwɛstərn ˈpɔɪzən oʊk/
- US
:
roble venenoso del oeste
- I saw a western poison oak plant in the park.
Examples
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After brushing against western poison oak, she developed an itchy, red rash on her arm.
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Hikers are advised to avoid contact with western poison oak along the coastal trails.
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The leaves of western poison oak resemble those of true oak but cause severe allergic reactions.
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Do you know how to identify western poison oaks?
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If you suspect you have come into contact with western poison oak, wash your skin immediately to prevent a rash.
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Many hikers are warned to watch out for western poison oak while exploring the trails in California.
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She developed a painful rash after brushing against western poison oak during her hike in the woods.
Synonyms
3
6.5
A climbing or spreading plant with oak-like leaves that makes oil causing skin rash
A poisonous shrub on the Pacific coast of North America that causes an itchy rash when touched
A poisonous bush on the Pacific coast that causes a skin rash when touched
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is compositional: 'poison oak' transparently denotes an oak/tree that causes poisoning/rashes, and 'western' simply specifies its geographic variety. This modifier + noun compounding is a common, cross-linguistically clear pattern, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Western poison oak is a plant name that tells you three things: western shows it grows on the west coast, poison warns it gives a skin 'rash', and oak says its leaves look like oak leaves. So the name helps you remember it is a poisonous bush that causes an itchy 'rash'.