noun

sundew

SUN-dew

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Sundew (noun) means an insect-eating plant from the genus Drosera that traps prey using sticky droplets on hairs covering its leaves. Example: “Sundews grow in boggy patches where the soil is too poor to feed them any other way.”

noun

An insect-eating plant from the genus Drosera that traps prey using sticky droplets on hairs covering its leaves.

"Sundews grow in boggy patches where the soil is too poor to feed them any other way."

"We watched a fly get stuck on the sticky hairs of a sundew."

"The garden center sold small sundews for people who like carnivorous plants."

How to use sundew

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sundew is a small plant that eats insects it traps with sticky, dew-like droplets.

When to use it

This is a plain, everyday name used in gardening and nature writing alike.

Memory tip

The name describes the plant's glistening droplets, not an association with dewy weather.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a sundew plant the leaves of a sundew a carnivorous sundew

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ grow in boggy patches where the soil is too poor to feed them any other way.

Etymology

The name joins sun and dew, describing the way the plant's sticky droplets glisten on its leaves like dew in sunlight. Related words for the same idea appear in Dutch, Icelandic and German.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What is a sundew?

It is an insectivorous plant in the genus Drosera that catches insects using sticky droplets on its leaves.

How does a sundew catch insects?

Sticky droplets on hairs at the ends of its leaves trap insects that land on them.

Where do sundews grow?

They grow in boggy ground and are found in many parts of the world.

What is the meaning of sundew?

"sundew" (noun) means an insect-eating plant from the genus Drosera that traps prey using sticky droplets on hairs covering its leaves.