Meaning & use
Amaranthus
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Meanings
nouncountabletechnicalbiology
A genus of flowering plants, many of which are grown as leafy vegetables or for their edible seeds.
Grammar: As a genus name, it is usually singular and capitalized: 'Amaranthus is a genus'. In everyday use, it can be countable: 'an amaranthus'.
Patterns
- the genus Amaranthus
- Amaranthus species
Amaranthus includes several species that are cultivated as grain crops.
The garden was full of colorful amaranthus plants.
Scientists are studying the nutritional value of Amaranthus seeds.
nouncountablebiology
A plant of the genus Amaranthus, often grown for its ornamental flowers or nutritious leaves and seeds.
Grammar: When referring to a single plant, use 'an amaranthus' or 'an amaranthus plant'. The plural is 'amaranthuses' or simply 'amaranthus' as a collective.
Patterns
- grow amaranthus
- amaranthus leaves
She planted amaranthus along the border of her garden.
Amaranthus is a popular ingredient in some health foods.
Word forms
| plural | amaranthuses |
|---|
Common combinations
- Amaranthus species
- Several Amaranthus species are considered weeds in some regions.
- Amaranthus seeds
- Amaranthus seeds are rich in protein and can be ground into flour.
- ornamental amaranthus
- Ornamental amaranthus is grown for its striking red or purple flowers.
Synonyms and how they differ
- amaranth
- Amaranth is the common name for plants in the genus Amaranthus and for the grain they produce; 'Amaranthus' is the scientific name.
Word family
- amaranth noun
- The common name for the plant and its edible seeds.
- amaranthine adjective
- Literary: relating to amaranth; also means undying or immortal.
Practice
What is Amaranthus?
Choose one answer.
Amaranthus is the scientific name for a group of plants, many of which are used as food. The other options are unrelated.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Amaranthus”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.