lucerne

¹

or lu·cern

[ loo-surn ]

noun

1. alfalfa.

Lucerne

²

[ loo-surn; French ly-sern ]

noun

1. a canton in central Switzerland. 576 sq. mi. (1,490 sq. km).
2. the capital of this canton, on Lake of Lucerne.
3. Lake of. Also called Lake of the Four Forest Cantons. a lake in central Switzerland. 24 miles (39 km) long; 44 sq. mi. (114 sq. km).

Lucerne

¹

/ luːˈsɜːn; lysɛrn /

noun

1. a canton in central Switzerland, northwest of Lake Lucerne: joined the Swiss Confederacy in 1332. Pop: 352 300 (2002 est). Area: 1494 sq km (577 sq miles)
2. a city in central Switzerland, capital of Lucerne canton, on Lake Lucerne: tourist centre. Pop: 59 496 (2000)
3. Lake Lucerne
   a lake in central Switzerland: fed and drained chiefly by the River Reuss. Area: 115 sq km (44 sq miles) German nameVierwaldstättersee

lucerne

²

/ luːˈsɜːn /

noun

1. another name for alfalfa

Word History and Origins

Origin of lucerne¹

1620–30; alteration (by association with Latin lucerna lamp) of French luzerne < Provençal luzerno glowworm (the plant was so called in allusion to its bright seeds); akin to Old Provençal luzerna lamp < Vulgar Latin *lūcerna, for Latin lucerna. See lucid

Example Sentences

Lucerne International, a car parts supplier based in Michigan that has manufactured in China for decades, has also spent the last few years adjusting to the new climate.

From BBC

There’s currently just one way out — down winding Highway 18 into Lucerne Valley — so he hopes, if it comes to that, people will be patient and not panic.

From Los Angeles Times

Tourists enjoying the picture postcard views of Lakes Lucerne, Thun or Lake Neuchatel might be surprised to learn what lies beneath those pristine alpine waters.

From BBC

In Lake Lucerne alone there are an estimated 3,300 tonnes of munition, and 4,500 tonnes in the waters of Neuchatel, which the Swiss air force used for bombing practice until 2021.

From BBC

Cody Mortensen, 28 of Lucerne Valley, suffered several injuries but survived, CHP spokesperson Saul Perez said in a news release.

From Los Angeles Times