Definition

A type of grass that has dense, soft flower spikes that look like a fox's tail.

Example

The field was filled with foxtail, swaying gently in the breeze.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a foxtail grass up close?

Yeah, I have! It looks so fluffy and soft.

I love how it sways in the wind like a little dancer.

Totally! It really adds charm to the landscape.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Foxtail → The word is formed from "fox" (from Old English *fox*, meaning the animal known for its cunning) and "tail" (from Old English *tægel*, meaning the appendage at the rear of an animal). The term "foxtail" refers to a type of plant that has flower spikes resembling the bushy tail of a fox.

Memory Tip

Think of the clever animal, the fox, and its bushy 'tail' — that's why 'foxtail' describes a plant that looks like a fox's tail.

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