Definition

A type of aquatic plant that often grows in water and has feathery leaves, commonly found in lakes and ponds.

Example

The lake was filled with water milfoil, making it difficult for boats to navigate.

Conversation

Have you ever seen milfoil in the lake near our house?

I think I’ve noticed it before, but I didn’t know what it was called.

Yeah, it really stands out with its feathery leaves.

It’s interesting how many plants like milfoil can thrive in water.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Milfoil comes from the Old French 'milfoi' (meaning thousand leaves), which is derived from the Latin 'millefolium' (from 'mille' meaning thousand and 'folium' meaning leaf). The word refers to a plant characterized by its finely divided leaves, resembling a thousand leaves.

Memory Tip

Think of 'thousand leaves' in Old French ('milfoi') to remember that 'milfoil' refers to a plant with many finely divided leaves.

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