knawel

[ nawl ]

noun

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Scleranthus, of the pink family, native to Eurasia, especially S. annuus, a common, low-growing weed that forms dense mats.

knawel

/ ˈnɔːəl /

noun

1. any of several Old World caryophyllaceous plants of the genus Scleranthus, having heads of minute petal-less flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of knawel¹

First recorded in 1570–80, knawel is from the German word Knauel, Kneuel “knotweed”

Word History and Origins

Origin of knawel¹

C16: from German Knauel, literally: ball of yarn, from Old High German kliuwa ball

Example Sentences

I saw no shepherd's purse after December 27th, but knawel was in flower as late as January 18th.

From Project Gutenberg