aristida
|a-ris-ti-da|
/ˌærɪˈstɪdə/
awn-related grass genus
Etymology
'aristida' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Aristida', where 'arista' (Latin) meant 'awn' (a bristle or beard of grain).
'aristida' was formed in New Latin as a botanical genus name by combining Latin 'arista' with the suffix '-ida' to indicate relation or possession, and it entered modern scientific English as the genus name 'Aristida'.
Initially it meant 'having or relating to an awn', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a genus of grasses characterized by awns'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae, commonly called three-awn grasses or needlegrasses; species typically have conspicuous awns on their spikelets.
Aristida species are common in arid and sandy habitats around the world.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/14 17:20