Definition

A type of grass-like plant that grows in wet areas and produces small, edible tubers that look like nuts.

Example

Farmers often struggle to control nutsedge in their fields because it spreads quickly.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of nutsedge?

Yeah, I've seen it in gardens before; it's pretty invasive, right?

Exactly! I read that it has edible tubers too.

That's interesting! I wonder if they actually taste good.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nutsedge is formed from "nut" (from Old English *hnutu*, meaning a hard-shelled fruit or seed) and "sedge" (from Old English *secg*, meaning a type of grass-like plant). The word refers to a type of grass-like plant that produces nut-like tubers underground.

Memory Tip

Think of a hard-shelled fruit ('nut') and a grass-like plant ('sedge') to remember that nutsedge is a plant that has nut-like tubers.

Visually Confused Words