Pronunciation: [dˈɒdəz] (IPA) 
The word "dodders" is spelled with a double "d" followed by an "o", which is pronounced as /ɑː/. Then it is followed by a double "d" again, pronounced as /d/. The next letter is an "e" pronounced as /ɛ/, followed by an "r" pronounced as /r/. The final letter is an "s" pronounced as /s/. The word refers to a plant that grows by twisting around other plants or objects for support.
Dodders are parasitic flowering plants that belong to the family Cuscutaceae. They are characterized by their intricate twining stems that lack chlorophyll and are unable to photosynthesize. Instead, dodders rely on other plants to extract nutrients and water for their survival. They attach themselves to their host plants through specialized structures called haustoria, which penetrate the host's tissues and allow the dodder to draw nutrients from it.
Dodders can be found in various habitats, including forests, meadows, and agricultural fields, and they exhibit a wide range of colors, from pale green to yellow or orange. They have tiny, scale-like leaves that eventually wither as they age since they are not involved in the process of photosynthesis.
Reproduction in dodders occurs through the production of small, white flowers that develop into small seed pods. These seeds are typically dispersed by wind, allowing them to spread to new potential host plants.
While dodders are considered pests in agriculture due to their ability to weaken and even kill host plants, they also play important ecological roles. They contribute to the biodiversity of ecosystems and provide food and shelter for various insects and birds.
It is worth noting that "dodders" can also refer to the act of moving or walking in an unsteady or hesitating manner, as in, "He dodders along with the help of a cane." However, in the context of this definition, "dodders" specifically refers to the parasitic plants.
The word "dodders" is derived from the Old English word "dodrian" or "doddrian", which means "to tremble" or "to shake". This Old English term itself comes from the Middle Low German word "doderen", which has the same meaning. The word "dodders" is used to describe a type of parasitic plant that has weak, thin stems that tremble or shake in the wind.
