phragmites

[ frag-mahy-teez ]

noun

1. any of several tall grasses of the genus Phragmites, having plumed heads, growing in marshy areas, especially the common reed P. australis (or P. communis ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of phragmites¹

< New Latin (1820) < Greek phragmī́tēs growing in hedges, equivalent to phrágm ( a ) fence, breastwork, screen (noun derivative of phrássein ( Attic phráttein ) to fence in, hedge around) + -ītēs -ite ¹