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Cattail - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A cattail is a tall, reed-like plant found in wetlands, known for its brown, cylindrical flower spikes. It is often used in crafts and provides habitat for wildlife.

cattail

/ˈkætˌteɪl/ /ˈkætˌteɪl/

Definition:

A tall wetland plant with long flat leaves and brown cylindrical flower spikes.

Synonyms:

bulrush, reedmace, Typha

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

(No direct antonyms; context-dependent)

Common Collocations:

marsh plant, wetland vegetation, pond edges, water gardens

Derivatives:

cattails (plural), cattail-filled (adj.)

Usage Tips:

Use "cattail" to describe the plant found near ponds or marshes; avoid confusing it with similar reeds.

Common Phrases:

(No common phrases or idioms)

Etymology:

Derived from "cat" + "tail," referring to the plant's fuzzy, tail-like flower spike resembling a cat's tail.

Examples:

  • 1. The cattail grows near the pond’s edge.
  • 2. Children love to play with the fluffy cattail seeds in autumn.
  • 3. Cattails provide shelter for many small aquatic animals.
  • 4. We saw a heron standing among the tall cattails.

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