Tumbleweed: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒต
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tumbleweed

 

[หˆtสŒmbษ™lหŒwiหd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

plant, desert

A tumbleweed is a plant that is characterized by its round, spiny structure that detaches from its roots when it is dry. As it blows across the ground, it often rolls along with the wind, scattering its seeds as it travels. Tumbleweeds are commonly associated with arid regions and are often seen in westerns and media as a symbol of desolation. They can also serve as an important part of the ecosystem by providing habitat and nourishment for various desert-dwelling species.

Synonyms

Russian thistle, Salsola, desert plant, wind plant.

Examples of usage

  • The tumbleweed rolled across the road, carried by the wind.
  • In many western films, the tumbleweed is often used to emphasize the emptiness of the desert.
  • We spotted a tumbleweed while hiking through the dry landscape.
  • The kids giggled as they watched the tumbleweed dance in the breeze.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'tumbleweed' comes from the way the plant tumbles along the ground.
  • In Spanish, tumbleweed is called 'saratoga' or 'escarbajo', hinting at its cultural significance in different regions.
  • The scientific name for one type of tumbleweed, Salsola tragus, reflects its salt tolerance and adaptability.

Ecology

  • Tumbleweeds are adapted to dry environments, allowing them to survive in low-water areas.
  • When they break apart, these plants release thousands of seeds, helping to propagate in harsh climates.
  • The ability to roll helps them disperse seeds over a wide area, increasing their chances of survival.

Pop Culture

  • Tumbleweeds are iconic in Western movies, often used to symbolize desolation and the vastness of the American desert.
  • In cartoons, they are often exaggerated to add humor, rolling across the screen during quiet moments.
  • They appear in various video games, often as humorous or environmental elements in desert levels.

History

  • Tumbleweeds were first noted in the United States during the 1800s and became a part of the Western folklore.
  • They were often used by early settlers as a sign of drought or barren lands ahead.
  • The introduction of tumbleweeds into North America is attributed to European immigrants in the late 19th century.

Science

  • Despite appearing dead, tumbleweeds play a critical role in ecosystems by providing ground cover and preventing soil erosion.
  • They are part of the Amaranth family, which includes some plants known for their nutritional properties.
  • Studies have shown that tumbleweeds can alter local microclimates by affecting soil moisture levels when they tumble and settle.

Translations

Translations of the word "tumbleweed" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น planta rodadora

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅเคฒเคพเคฌ เค•เคพ เคชเฅŒเคงเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Tumbleweed

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ rumput berguling

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบัƒะบัƒั€ัƒะดะทัะฝะฐ ั€ะพัะปะธะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ tumbleweed

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฟใƒณใƒ–ใƒซใ‚ฆใ‚ฃใƒผใƒ‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rouleau de paille

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ pรกjaro rodante

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tumbleweed

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ…€๋ธ”์œ„๋“œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ุจุงุช ู…ุชุฏุงูˆู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tumbleweed

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tumbleweed

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆปš่‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tumbleweed

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tumbleweed

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดำฉาฃะณะตะปะตะบ ัˆำฉะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒฅแƒชแƒ”แƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tumbleweed

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tumbleweed

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,059, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.