alfilaria

[ al-fil-uh-ree-uh ]

noun

1. a European plant, Erodium cicutarium, of the geranium family, grown for forage in the U.S.

alfilaria

/ ˌælfɪˈlɛərɪə /

noun

1. a geraniaceous plant, Erodium cicutarium, native to Europe, with finely divided leaves and small pink or purplish flowers. It is widely naturalized in North America and is used as fodder Also calledpin clover

Word History and Origins

Origin of alfilaria¹

1865–70, Americanism; < Spanish alfilerillo, equivalent to alfiler pin (< Arabic al-khilāl the pin) + -illo diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of alfilaria¹

via American Spanish from Spanish alfilerillo, from alfiler pin, from Arabic al-khilāl the thorn

Example Sentences

Ricardo himself would have questioned the sanity of any one who might have preferred the faint, musky fragrance of the alfilaria to the soothing odor of tobacco.

From Project Gutenberg

There had been many winter snows and spring rains, so that the alfilaria covered the hills with a carpet of grass.

From Project Gutenberg

Pastures may, however, be often improved by clearing off the brush and harrowing in seed of burr clover, alfilaria, etc., at the beginning of the rainy season.

From Project Gutenberg

The cow was mooing reproachfully in a cropped circle of musky alfilaria behind the shed.

From Project Gutenberg

"Come here, you Muggins!" he called to his burro, which had strayed into the alfilaria.

From Project Gutenberg