Black medic is a common name for a plant that belongs to the family of legumes. This plant is known for its small yellow flowers and its ability to grow in various types of soils. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of black medic, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Black medic, also known as Medicago lupulina, is a type of plant that is native to Europe but is now widely distributed throughout North America. It is an annual or biennial plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. The leaves of black medic are trifoliate, and the flowers are small, yellow, and pea-like.
Origin
Black medic is believed to have originated from Europe and was introduced to North America in the 17th century. It is now widespread in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, black medic is defined as “a low-growing weedy annual or biennial legume (Medicago lupulina) with yellow flowers and trifoliate leaves.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a plant of the pea family, with small yellow flowers and trifoliate leaves, native to Europe and widely naturalized elsewhere.”
Associations
Black medic is often associated with weed control and soil improvement. It is commonly used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and to add nitrogen to the soil. It is also used in pastures and hayfields to improve forage quality for livestock.
Synonyms
The synonyms of black medic include hop clover, nonesuch, black hay, and blackweed.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for black medic as it is a specific plant species.
The same root words
Black medic is derived from the Latin word medica, meaning “medical plant.” The word “black” is added to the name due to the dark color of the seeds.
Example Sentences
- Black medic is a great cover crop for preventing soil erosion.
- The yellow flowers of black medic add a pop of color to the garden.
- Farmers often use black medic to improve the quality of their pastures.
- The seeds of black medic are often used in herbal medicine for their medicinal properties.
- Black medic is a common weed in many lawns and gardens.