Jack-in-the-pulpit (Noun)
Meaning 1
Common American spring-flowering woodland herb having sheathing leaves and an upright club-shaped spadix with overarching green and purple spathe producing scarlet berries.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The dense foliage of the forest floor was dotted with jack-in-the-pulpit plants, their distinctive purple hoods visible in the dappled light.
- As I wandered along the woodland trail, I spotted a cluster of jack-in-the-pulpit flowers, their scarlet berries a vibrant splash of color against the muted greens of the forest.
- Despite its unusual appearance, the jack-in-the-pulpit is a beloved and iconic spring-flowering plant of the eastern United States.
- According to local legend, the jack-in-the-pulpit that grew in the old cemetery was a harbinger of spring, and its annual blooming was eagerly anticipated by the townspeople.
- The shape of the jack-in-the-pulpit's spathe, resembling a pulpit or hood, gave rise to its whimsical common name, as well as its more formal botanical designation.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Common European arum with lanceolate spathe and short purple spadix; emerges in early spring; source of a starch called arum.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The hikers were excited to spot a rare jack-in-the-pulpit in the woods, its distinctive purple spadix a striking sight among the early spring foliage.
- In the botanical garden, visitors could see a variety of plants, including the curious jack-in-the-pulpit with its unique, hood-like spathe.
- The park ranger explained to the children that the jack-in-the-pulpit was a type of arum that produced a starchy powder, often used in cooking.
- As they walked through the forest, the naturalist pointed out a patch of jack-in-the-pulpit plants, their lanceolate leaves and short purple spadices a harbinger of spring.
- In traditional medicine, the corms of the jack-in-the-pulpit were used to make a powder with various health benefits, although this use is no longer recommended due to toxicity concerns.