windmill grass

9.9

A grass from Australia that lives for many years and has long spikes from the stalk like a windmill

noun

Australian

: hierba molino de viento

The unique shape of the windmill grass makes it easy to spot in the Australian outback.

Examples

Farmers often appreciate windmill grass for its drought resistance and decorative appeal.
The windmill grass swayed gently in the breeze.
As we walked through the field, the windmill grass swayed gently in the breeze.
Many gardeners appreciate windmill grass for its unique appearance.
As we walked through the field, the windmill grass swayed gently in the breeze.
Farmers often appreciate windmill grass for its drought resistance and decorative appeal.
The unique shape of the windmill grass makes it easy to spot in the Australian outback.

Synonyms

Chloris truncata

vswindmill grass

Specialized

9.9

A grass from Australia that lives for many years and has long spikes like a windmill

emphasizes spikes radiating from the stalk rather than quantity

creeping windmill grass

vswindmill grass

Australian

9.9

An Australian grass that lives for many years and has long spikes like a windmill

emphasizes spikes radiating from the stalk rather than general arrangement

Surface Forms

windmill grass singular

windmill grasses plural

Morphology

windmill + grass

The noun is a straightforward compound where 'windmill' describes the shape or appearance and 'grass' names the plant; a learner who knows both words can infer it is a grass that resembles a windmill (spikes radiating like vanes). This compositional, image-based naming follows common compounding patterns found across languages, so the meaning is easily recoverable for a B1 learner.

Etymology

Windmill grass is named for its shape: long spikes spread out from the top of the stalk like the blades of a windmill, so the grass looks like a small windmill. That's why the name means this Australian grass with spikes that spread out from the stalk.