duckweed

[ duhk-weed ]

noun

1. any plant of the family Lemnaceae, especially of the genus Lemna, comprising small aquatic plants that float free on still water.

duckweed

/ ˈdʌkˌwiːd /

noun

1. any of various small stemless aquatic plants of the family Lemnaceae, esp any of the genus Lemna, that have rounded leaves and occur floating on still water in temperate regions

Word History and Origins

Origin of duckweed¹

1400–50; late Middle English dockewede; so called because eaten by ducks

Example Sentences

But the farm had fallen on evil days at the hands of Paddy Magragh, and the reservoir was choked with cresses and duckweed.

From Project Gutenberg

Waterlilies and duckweed are not the chief part of this floating mass.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a large pond in the midst of the garden, covered with duckweed, and full of beautiful gold and silver fish of many kinds.

From Project Gutenberg

The river is rising fast, and bringing down large quantities of aquatic grass, duckweed, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

Out of this lagoon, and by this stream, the chief part of the duckweed of the Shiré flows.

From Project Gutenberg