alligator weed

noun

variants or alligator grass
: a prolific herbaceous weed (Alternanthera phylloxeroides) having opposite entire linear-lanceolate leaves and flowers in short headlike spikes and being especially troublesome in irrigation canals and waterways which it clogs with a dense floating mass

Word History

Etymology

so called from its long narrow leaves

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alligator weed was in 1887

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Dictionary Entries Near alligator weed

alligator tree

alligator weed

alligatorwood

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Alligator weed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator%20weed. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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