How Do You Spell OXTONGUE?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒkstʌŋ] (IPA)

Oxtongue is a word that has made its mark on the English language due to its unique spelling. The word is pronounced as /oks tʌŋ/ and is spelled o-x-t-o-n-g-u-e. The pronunciation is clear from the IPA phonetic transcription, showing that the "x" sounds like a "ks" sound, while the "u" is pronounced as a "you" sound. The word refers to an herbaceous plant, and despite its tricky spelling, it has been a part of English vocabulary for centuries.

OXTONGUE Meaning and Definition

1. Oxtongue is a noun that has multiple dictionary definitions depending on the context in which it is mentioned. In botany, an oxtongue refers to any of several plants belonging to the genus Picris, particularly the common oxtongue (Picris echioides), which is characterized by its coarse leaves that resemble an ox's tongue, hence the name. These plants typically have yellow flowers similar to those of dandelions and are often found in disturbed areas such as roadsides or meadows.

   In zoology, oxtongue can refer to the long, pointed, and sometimes divided tongue found in some animals, specifically the tongue of an ox. This tongue is notable for its length and thickness.

   Additionally, oxtongue can be used in the culinary world to describe a type of herb called Anchusa officinalis, which has a strong flavor and can be used as an ingredient in various dishes.

   Furthermore, the term "oxtongue" can also be found in some idiomatic expressions. For example, "to have an oxtongue" can mean to speak honestly and bluntly without mincing words.

   In summary, oxtongue is a term that can refer to various plants, notably the Picris genus, as well as the long, pointed tongue of an ox. It can also describe a specific herb used in cooking and be part of certain idiomatic expressions about communication.

Common Misspellings for OXTONGUE

• ixtongue
• kxtongue
• lxtongue
• pxtongue
• 0xtongue
• 9xtongue
• oztongue
• octongue
• odtongue
• ostongue
• oxrongue
• oxfongue
• oxgongue
• oxyongue
• ox6ongue
• ox5ongue
• oxtingue
• oxtkngue
• oxtlngue

Etymology of OXTONGUE

The word "oxtongue" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from Old English "oxtange", which is a compound of "ox" (referring to an ox) and "tange" (meaning tongue). The term refers to the shape and appearance of the plant's leaves, which resemble the narrow shape of an ox's tongue. Over time, this term was anglicized and modified to become "oxtongue" as we know it today.

Similar spelling word for OXTONGUE

• oxytone.

Plural form of OXTONGUE is OXTONGUES