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samphire

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈsæmfaɪə/

KK: /ˈsæmfaɪər/

noun
Definition

A coastal plant that grows near the sea, known for its fleshy leaves and small white flowers. It is often used in cooking and can be pickled.


Example

We enjoyed a salad topped with fresh samphire for dinner.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever tried samphire?
Sloth B
No, I haven't. What is it like?
Sloth A
It's a salty plant that grows by the sea, and it's really tasty.
Sloth B
That sounds interesting! I’d love to give samphire a try.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
glasswort
seaweed
salicornia
Antonyms
weed
pest
blight
Root Explanation

The word 'samphire' originates from the Old French 'sampierre', which means 'sand plant'. It is derived from 'sable' (meaning sand) and 'pier' (meaning stone or rock). Samphire refers to a plant that grows in sandy coastal areas, often near rocks.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sand' and 'rock' to remember that 'samphire' is a plant that grows in sandy coastal regions.

Visually Confused Words
sapphire
camphire
saphie
sapphired
hampshire
vampire
rampire
amphore
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