Bitterroot: meaning, definitions and examples
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bitterroot
[ ˈbɪtərˌruːt ]
plant species
Bitterroot is a flowering plant native to western North America, primarily found in the Rocky Mountains. It is known for its small, pink or white flowers and is often associated with alpine habitats. The plant has a fleshy root that is edible and was used by Native American tribes for food and medicine.
Synonyms
Lewisia rediviva, Western broadleaf
Examples of usage
- The bitterroot blooms in springtime.
- She found bitterroot growing in the rocky soil.
- Bitterroot is an important plant for local wildlife.
Translations
Translations of the word "bitterroot" in other languages:
🇵🇹 raiz amarga
🇮🇳 कड़वा जड़
🇩🇪 bittere Wurzel
🇮🇩 akar pahit
🇺🇦 гірка корінь
🇵🇱 gorzka roślina
🇯🇵 ビタールート
🇫🇷 racine amère
🇪🇸 raíz amarga
🇹🇷 acı kök
🇰🇷 쓴 뿌리
🇸🇦 جذر مرير
🇨🇿 hořký kořen
🇸🇰 horký koreň
🇨🇳 苦根
🇸🇮 grenka korenina
🇮🇸 biturót
🇰🇿 ащы тамыр
🇬🇪 მტკივნეული ფესვი
🇦🇿 acı kök
🇲🇽 raíces amargas
Etymology
The name 'bitterroot' comes from the plant's tasting qualities, particularly the bitterness of its roots. This term has origins in the early 19th century when European settlers began to document the flora of North America, noting the uses of various plants by Indigenous peoples. The scientific name 'Lewisia rediviva' honors Meriwether Lewis, one of the explorers of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and it reflects the plant's habitat and characteristics. Bitterroot has been culturally significant, especially among Native American tribes, who utilize the plant not only for its nutritional value but also for its medicinal properties. Understanding the history of bitterroot highlights the intersection of cultural, ecological, and geographical factors influencing the human relationship with native plant species.