foxtail

[ foks-teyl ]

noun

1. the tail tails of a fox.
2. any of various grasses having soft, brushlike spikes of flowers.

foxtail

/ ˈfɒksˌteɪl /

noun

1. any grass of the genus Alopecurus , esp A. pratensis , of Europe, Asia, and South America, having soft cylindrical spikes of flowers: cultivated as a pasture grass
2. any of various similar and related grasses, esp any of the genus Setaria

Word History and Origins

Origin of foxtail¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; fox, tail ¹

Example Sentences

To make herself feel safer, she filled her home with plants recommended for improving indoor air quality, including foxtail ferns and peace lilies.

From ProPublica

But if the girls or women dozed, he gently tickled their cheeks with the foxtail hanging at the other end of the same stick.

From Project Gutenberg

The honey clover, foxtail, mullein, and dill-poppies had closed over the horrible path-way leading to the church door-block.

From Project Gutenberg

Another day the juncos are feeding on the seeds of the foxtail or pigeon grass, in an old orchard hard by the border of the woods.

From Project Gutenberg

Foxtail (Setaria glauca), false redtop (Triodia flava), and panic grass (Panicum clandestinum) also occur commonly.

From Project Gutenberg

Sheep sorrel was most common, next to this yellow or bitter dock and green foxtail.

From Project Gutenberg