alfalfa
|al-fal-fa|
B2
/ælˈfælfə/
forage plant
Etymology
Etymology Information
'alfalfa' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'al-fisfisa,' where 'al-' meant 'the' and 'fisfisa' meant 'fresh fodder.'
Historical Evolution
'al-fisfisa' transformed into the Spanish word 'alfalfa,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alfalfa.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'fresh fodder,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a plant used for animal feed.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a perennial flowering plant in the legume family, used as forage for livestock and as a cover crop.
Farmers often grow alfalfa to feed their cattle.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/19 05:36