LUCERNE Meaning and
Definition
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Lucerne is a noun that refers to a type of flowering plant belonging to the legume family, scientifically known as Medicago sativa. It is commonly referred to as alfalfa in North America. Lucerne is a perennial herbaceous plant that is typically grown as a forage crop, focusing on its high protein and nutrient content. It is widely cultivated in many parts of the world, especially in temperate regions, as it serves as a valuable source of fodder for livestock, including cows, horses, sheep, and goats.
Lucerne is characterized by its deep taproot system, which allows it to access water and nutrients from the soil efficiently. It has trifoliate leaves with serrated edges and produces clusters of small, purple or blue flowers. Lucerne is known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil due to its association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, contributing to soil fertility.
In addition to its use as livestock feed, lucerne is also used in the manufacturing of hay, which is dried lucerne harvested from the field. Hay is commonly used as animal fodder, particularly during periods when fresh forage is scarce, such as in winter or drought conditions. Furthermore, lucerne has historically been utilized for its medicinal properties, believed to aid in digestion, alleviate respiratory ailments, and promote overall well-being.
Common Misspellings for LUCERNE
Etymology of LUCERNE
The word "lucerne" can have different meanings in different contexts, so it is important to specify which meaning you are referring to. However, one of the most common meanings of "lucerne" is a type of flowering plant that is often used as fodder for livestock.
The etymology of this specific meaning of "lucerne" can be traced back to the Latin word "lūcerna", which means "lamb's lettuce". This Latin term was eventually applied to a different plant, "Medicago sativa", which is the scientific name for the plant commonly known as lucerne or alfalfa. Over time, the word "lucerne" came to be used to refer to this particular type of forage plant, most notably in British English.
Similar spelling words for LUCERNE
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