equisetum

noun

eq·​ui·​se·​tum ˌe-kwə-ˈsē-təm How to pronounce equisetum (audio)
plural equisetums or equiseta ˌe-kwə-ˈsē-tə How to pronounce equisetum (audio)

Examples of equisetum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Start with equisetum by cutting it to the ground. Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 10 June 2021 Clover has risen to the top of the list, replacing equisetum, which always disappears and people forget about it. Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 5 Aug. 2021 Veteran gardeners know them well: chickweed and equisetum. Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 28 May 2020 The only downside was that my property has a great deal of equisetum (horsetail), which enjoyed spreading its roots into the spaces left by the wavy layer in the middle. oregonlive, 5 Jan. 2020 Not only do equisetum spread by underground roots, but also by above ground spores. Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 31 May 2018 These tools are great for cutting down equisetum, grasses and weeds along buildings, swings, fences, under shrubs and around trees. Jeff Lowenfels, Alaska Dispatch News, 23 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'equisetum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin equisaetum horsetail plant, from equus horse + saeta bristle

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of equisetum was in 1761

Dictionary Entries Near equisetum

Cite this Entry

“Equisetum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equisetum. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

equisetum

noun
eq·​ui·​se·​tum ˌek-wə-ˈsēt-əm How to pronounce equisetum (audio)
plural equisetums or equiseta -ˈsēt-ə How to pronounce equisetum (audio)
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