knapweed

[ nap-weed ]

/ ˈnæpˌwid /

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noun

any composite plant of the genus Centaurea, especially the weedy C. nigra, having rose-purple flowers set on a dark-colored, knoblike bract.

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Also called hardheads, Spanish button.

Origin of knapweed

First recorded in 1400–50, knapweed is from the late Middle English word knopwed.See knop, weed¹

Words nearby knapweed

knaidel, knap, knapping hammer, knapsack, knapsack problem, knapweed, knar, knarly, knave, knavery, knavish

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use knapweed in a sentence

The seeds of brook-lime, flax, and knapweed the twite seems partial to, and this wild-weed field is to them a very paradise.
Poachers and Poaching|John Watson
The moth is out in July and in August, and may often be seen resting on the flowers of knapweed (Centaurea) in the daytime.
The Moths of the British Isles, First Series|Richard South
The knapweed was stunted and the scabious blooms drooped towards the dusty pasture.
Sinister Street, vol. 1|Compton Mackenzie
Strong woody knapweed endures it, so does toadflax and pale blue scabious, and wild mignonette.
The Pageant of Summer|Richard Jefferies

They are of a greyish colour—nappy—whence the name Knapweed.
Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers|John Wood

British Dictionary definitions for knapweed

knapweed

/ (ˈnæpˌwiːd) /

noun

any of several plants of the genus Centaurea, having purplish thistle-like flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)See also centaury (def. 2), hardheads

Word Origin for knapweed

C15 knopwed; see knop, weed 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012