alkali grass

noun

1
: a grasslike plant (Zygadenus elegans) with flowers in a loose cylindrical raceme
2
3
: any of several grasses of the genus Puccinellia that grow in saline situations

Word History

Etymology

so called from its growth in alkaline soil

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkali grass was in 1870

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near alkali grass

Cite this Entry

“Alkali grass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkali%20grass. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!