Grass

Definition

Grass refers to a type of plant that belongs to the family Poaceae, characterized by long, narrow leaves and often used in lawns, pastures, and as fodder. Informally, it can also mean marijuana or, in British slang, a person who informs on others.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (informal)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡræs/
• Respelling: grass

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡrɑːs/
• Respelling: grahs

Etymology

The word "grass" originates from the Old English "græs" or "græsse," meaning "herb, plant, or herbage." It is derived from Proto-Germanic "*grasą*" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*ghros*" (to grow green or flourish). Its meanings expanded to include lawns, fodder, and slang usages over time.

Derivatives

• Grassy (adjective)
• Grassland (noun)
• Grassroots (noun/adjective)
• Grasshopper (noun)
• Grassiness (noun)

Synonyms

• Herbage
• Sod
• Lawn

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "grass" is widely used in ecological, agricultural, and informal contexts. For example, "The cows grazed on the fresh grass," or "He was accused of being a grass after reporting his coworkers."

Related Terms

• Herbaceous: Relating to herbs or non-woody plants.
• Pasture: Land covered with grass used for grazing animals.
• Vegetation: Plant life in general.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A plant of the family Poaceae: Refers to plants with narrow leaves and a wide variety of uses.
  • Example: "The park was covered in lush green grass."
• Ground covered with grass: Indicates a grassy area such as a lawn or field.
  • Example: "The children played on the grass."
• Slang for marijuana: Informally refers to cannabis.
  • Example: "He was caught with a small amount of grass."
• British slang for an informant: Refers to someone who reports others to authorities.
  • Example: "He was known as a grass in his community."

Verb (informal)

• To inform on someone to the authorities: Primarily used in British slang.
  • Example: "He grassed on his accomplice to avoid jail time."