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Twigs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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twigs

[twษชษกz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

small branch

Twigs are small, thin branches of a tree or shrub. They are often used in various crafts, as well as forming part of a tree's structure.

Synonyms

bough, branch, stick.

Examples of usage

  • The dog played with the twigs in the yard.
  • She collected twigs for her art project.
  • Twigs can be useful for kindling a fire.
  • The tree was bare except for a few twigs.
  • The children gathered twigs to build a fort.
Context #2 | Verb

to break off

To twigs means to form or break off small branches or stems from a larger plant. It typically refers to the action of pruning or collecting.

Synonyms

clip, prune, trim.

Examples of usage

  • They began to twigs the overgrown bushes.
  • She twigs the plants to keep them healthy.
  • He twigs the apple tree every spring.
  • After the storm, we had to twigs the fallen branches.
  • You can twigs roses to encourage new growth.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Botany

  • Twigs are essential for a treeโ€™s growth; they support leaves and reproductive structures like flowers or fruits.
  • Different types of twigs can help identify a tree species by examining their color, texture, and growth patterns.
  • During winter, the arrangement of buds on twigs can be a key indicator of the tree's health and species.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, twigs and branches are used in traditional crafts, like making wreaths or brooms.
  • Twigs are often used in natural medicine, where they're made into teas or infusions believed to have health benefits.

Literature

  • Twigs often appear in poetry and prose as symbols of fragility and renewal, reflecting natureโ€™s cycles.
  • Childrenโ€™s stories frequently involve characters using twigs for creative purposes, like building or wand-making in fairy tales.

Environmental Science

  • Twigs play a crucial role in ecosystems; they provide habitats for small animals and insects.
  • As parts of trees, twigs contribute to the natural process of photosynthesis, helping produce oxygen.

Origin of 'twigs'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'twig' comes from the Old English word 'twicca', which meant a small branch.
  • Itโ€™s related to the Middle Dutch word 'twic', indicating it's been used for centuries in various languages to describe small branches.

The word 'twig' comes from Middle English 'twigge,' which traces back to the Old Norse word 'tvรญggr' meaning 'two' or 'double'. This etymology reflects the idea that twigs often appear as branching structures, similar to how forks in a road can lead in two directions. The usage of 'twig' in English has evolved over the centuries to specifically refer to these small branches, often associated with trees and shrubs. The earliest records of the term in English can be found in texts from the 14th century, showing its long-standing presence in the language. The concept of interpreting twigs as an important aspect of plant life underlines their significance in the ecosystem, both as parts of living trees and as resources for various human activities.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,570, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.