Thistle: meaning, definitions and examples

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thistle

[ˈθɪsəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

flower

A thistle is a prickly plant with purple flowers, often considered a weed.

Synonyms

prickly plant, weed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thistle	Typically used when discussing specific types of plants known for their sharp leaves and colorful flowers, commonly found in gardens or nature studies. The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland. She admired the vibrant flowers of the thistle despite its thorny nature.
prickly plant	This phrase is used when emphasizing the spiky or thorny characteristics of a plant, often in a general sense without naming a specific species. Be careful around that prickly plant; it can scratch you easily. They found a prickly plant growing in the corner of the yard.
weed	Used to describe any unwanted plant that grows where it is not intended, often in gardens or agricultural settings. This term can have a negative connotation. They spent the afternoon pulling weeds from the garden. Dandelions are often considered weeds despite their bright yellow flowers.

Word

Description / Examples

thistle

Typically used when discussing specific types of plants known for their sharp leaves and colorful flowers, commonly found in gardens or nature studies.

The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland.
She admired the vibrant flowers of the thistle despite its thorny nature.

prickly plant

This phrase is used when emphasizing the spiky or thorny characteristics of a plant, often in a general sense without naming a specific species.

Be careful around that prickly plant; it can scratch you easily.
They found a prickly plant growing in the corner of the yard.

weed

Used to describe any unwanted plant that grows where it is not intended, often in gardens or agricultural settings. This term can have a negative connotation.

They spent the afternoon pulling weeds from the garden.
Dandelions are often considered weeds despite their bright yellow flowers.

Examples of usage

The field was full of thistles, making it difficult to walk through.
She picked a beautiful thistle and put it in a vase.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

symbol

In some cultures, the thistle is a symbol of resilience and protection.

Synonyms

emblem, symbol.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thistle	Often refers to the prickly plant and can symbolize toughness or resilience. Commonly associated with Scottish heritage. The thistle is the national symbol of Scotland He admired the resilience of the thistle growing in his garden
symbol	A broad, general term for anything that represents something else, often used in literature, art, or discussions about abstract concepts. The dove is a universal symbol of peace In the book, the color red is used as a symbol of passion
emblem	Used to describe an object that represents an idea, organization, or country. Often used in formal or official contexts. The lion is the emblem of courage The company's emblem was engraved on all its products

Word

Description / Examples

thistle

Often refers to the prickly plant and can symbolize toughness or resilience. Commonly associated with Scottish heritage.

The thistle is the national symbol of Scotland
He admired the resilience of the thistle growing in his garden

symbol

A broad, general term for anything that represents something else, often used in literature, art, or discussions about abstract concepts.

The dove is a universal symbol of peace
In the book, the color red is used as a symbol of passion

emblem

Used to describe an object that represents an idea, organization, or country. Often used in formal or official contexts.

The lion is the emblem of courage
The company's emblem was engraved on all its products

Examples of usage

The thistle is often used as a national emblem.
The thistle represents strength and determination.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'thistle' comes from Old English 'þistel', which has roots in Germanic languages.
Related words in other languages include the German 'Distel' and the Dutch 'distel', showing a shared history.

Botany

Thistles belong to the Asteraceae family, which is one of the largest plant families, including daisies and sunflowers.
These plants can thrive in many environments, from fields to gardens, making them both common and resilient.

Cultural Significance

In Scotland, the thistle is a national emblem and symbolizes bravery and resilience.
Thistles have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, believed to have healing properties.

Biology

Thistles attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which help with plant reproduction.
Some species of thistles can grow up to six feet tall and have a deep root system that helps them survive droughts.

Symbolism

Thistles often represent strength and determination in literature and art, highlighting their tough exterior.
They can also symbolize independence, thriving in challenging circumstances without much care.

Translations

Translations of the word "thistle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cardo

🇮🇳 कंटक

🇩🇪 Distel

🇮🇩 duri

🇺🇦 чортополох

🇵🇱 oset

🇯🇵 アザミ

🇫🇷 chardon

🇪🇸 cardo

🇹🇷 devedikeni

🇰🇷 엉겅퀴

🇸🇦 شوك

🇨🇿 bodlák

🇸🇰 bodliak

🇨🇳 蓟 (jì)

🇸🇮 osat

🇮🇸 þistill

🇰🇿 тікен

🇬🇪 ნარ-ეკალი (nar-ekali)

🇦🇿 qıjı

🇲🇽 cardo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,003, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20000 reworked
20001 orphanage
20002 obliterate
20003 thistle
20004 harem
20005 relished
20006 positives
...