hydrilla
|hy-dril-la|
/haɪˈdrɪlə/
small water plant (often invasive)
Etymology
'hydrilla' originates from Modern Latin (botanical), ultimately from Greek 'hydor', where 'hydor' meant 'water' and the suffix '-illa' functioned as a diminutive/formation in New Latin.
'hydrilla' was formed in Modern Latin botanical usage by combining Greek 'hydor' and the diminutive/formation '-illa' and was adopted into English botanical vocabulary as 'hydrilla'.
Initially, it meant 'little water (plant)' as a constructed botanical name, but over time it came to denote the specific genus/species (and commonly the invasive aquatic plant) now called 'hydrilla'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a genus (commonly the species Hydrilla verticillata) of submerged freshwater aquatic plants often invasive; forms dense mats that can clog waterways, harm native plants and interfere with recreation and water flow.
Hydrilla rapidly spread through the canal, making navigation difficult.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/22 09:12