Old World Mistletoe (Noun)
Meaning
Old World parasitic shrub having branching greenish stems with leathery leaves and waxy white glutinous berries; the traditional mistletoe of Christmas.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The old world mistletoe has been a part of Christmas traditions for centuries, often hung in doorways for festive kisses.
- Visitors to the European countryside often catch glimpses of old world mistletoe clinging to the branches of trees.
- Old world mistletoe grows as a hemiparasitic shrub, drawing nutrients from its host plant while still photosynthesizing.
- The waxy white berries of the old world mistletoe are a key part of its life cycle, attracting birds to disperse its seeds.
- In some cultures, old world mistletoe is believed to possess magical powers, and is hung in homes to ward off evil spirits.