Definition

A type of plant that does not thrive in soil that is rich in lime.

Example

The gardener chose calcifuge plants for the area with acidic soil.

Conversation

Did you know that some plants are classified as calcifuge?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they don't thrive in lime-rich soil, which is interesting.

That makes sense! I guess they need different conditions to grow well.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Calcifuge → It is formed from "calx" (meaning lime or calcium) and "fugere" (meaning to flee or escape). The word describes something that avoids or does not tolerate calcium.

Memory Tip

Think of 'calx' meaning lime, and 'fugere' meaning to flee — so a calcifuge is something that flees from calcium.

Visually Confused Words