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Milkweed: meaning, definitions and examples

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milkweed

 

[ หˆmษชlkwiหd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

plant type

Milkweed refers to a group of flowering plants in the genus Asclepias, known for their milky sap. These plants are important for various ecosystems as they serve as the primary food source for monarch caterpillars. Milkweeds are usually characterized by their large leaves, clusters of star-shaped flowers, and pods that release fluffy seeds when they split open. Many species of milkweed are native to North America and have been used historically in traditional medicine. Additionally, milkweed plants play a crucial role in attracting pollinators, making them beneficial for gardens.

Synonyms

Asclepias, butterfly weed

Examples of usage

  • The milkweed in my garden attracts butterflies.
  • Farmers often plant milkweed to support Monarch populations.
  • Milkweed fibers were historically used for stuffing.

Translations

Translations of the word "milkweed" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น erva-leiteira

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฆเฅ‚เคง เค˜เคพเคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Seidenpflanze

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tanaman susu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะพะปะพั‡ะฐะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mlecz

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒŸใƒซใ‚ฏใ‚ฆใ‚ฃใƒผใƒ‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท asclรฉpiade

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ algodรณn de leche

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sรผt otu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์šฐ์œ ํ’€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญุดูŠุดุฉ ุงู„ู„ุจู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mlรฉฤ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mlieฤna rastlina

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฅถ่‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mleฤna trava

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mjรณlkurjurt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัาฏั‚ ัˆำฉะฑั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒซแƒ˜แƒก แƒ›แƒŸแƒแƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sรผd otu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ planta de leche

Etymology

The term 'milkweed' dates back to the 17th century and is derived from the milky latex that oozes from the plant's stems when cut. The word 'milk' in milkweed originates from Old English 'meolc,' referring to the white liquid, or sap, of the plant. The plant belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family, named after Asclepius, the Greek god of healing. Historically, various Indigenous tribes utilized milkweed for multiple purposes, including making ropes and clothing from its fibers. The plant's significance has grown due to its role in promoting biodiversity through the support of monarch butterflies, which rely exclusively on milkweed for their lifecycle.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,644 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.