tick-trefoil
tick-trefoil · tick-trefoils
One of several species in the genus Desmodium in the legume familyOne of several species in the genus Desmodium in the legume family
Meaning
1 sensesOne of several species in the genus Desmodium in the legume family
Origin
From tick + trefoil (“three-leaved”). Tick refers to the plant's loments – pods that breakFrom tick + trefoil (“three-leaved”). Tick refers to the plant's loments – pods that break apart into segments that each contain one seed – which have small hooked hairs that allow the segments to stick to clothes, hair, or fur, similar to the way a tick clings on with its legs.
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Forms
plural: tick-trefoils| Singular | tick-trefoil |
|---|---|
| Plural | tick-trefoils |
regular