darnel - Definitions from Dictionary.com

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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

dar·nel

Audio Help [dahr-nl] Pronunciation Key

–noun

any of several grasses of the genus Lolium, having simple stems, flat leaves, and terminal spikes.

[Origin: 1275–1325; ME; cf. F (Walloon) darnelle, prob. < Gmc

]

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
darnel

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

dar·nel Audio Help (där'nəl) Pronunciation Key
n. Any of several Eurasian grasses of the genus Lolium, especially L. temulentum or L. perenne. Also called ryegrass.

[Middle English.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

darnel
noun
weedy annual grass often occurs in grainfields and other cultivated land; seeds sometimes considered poisonous

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Darnel

Dar"nel\, n. [OE. darnel, dernel, of uncertain origin; cf. dial. F. darnelle, Sw. d[*a]r-repe; perh. named from a supposed intoxicating quality of the plant, and akin to Sw. d[*a]ra to infatuate, OD. door foolish, G. thor fool, and Ee. dizzy.] (Bot.) Any grass of the genus Lolium, esp. the Lolium temulentum (bearded darnel), the grains of which have been reputed poisonous. Other species, as Lolium perenne (rye grass or ray grass), and its variety L. Italicum (Italian rye grass), are highly esteemed for pasture and for making hay.

Note: Under darnel our early herbalists comprehended all kinds of cornfield weeds. --Dr. Prior.

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