purslane
UK[ˈpɜːsleɪn]US[ˈpɜːrsleɪn]
n
a low-growing succulent plant with fleshy leaves and stems, often found as a weed but also cultivated for use in salads and cooking.
Etymology
the word "purslane" entered english in the late 14th century from the anglo-french term "porcelaine." this, in turn, was derived from the old french "porcelaine," which was adapted from the latin "portulaca," the plant's scientific name. the latin term is believed to be a diminutive form related to "portula," meaning "little gate," likely referring to the lid-like covering of the plant's seed capsule. the phonetic journey from "portulaca" through old french to the middle english "purslane" demonstrates a common pattern of botanical names being adopted and reshaped across languages.
Analysis
this word is a loanword where the morphemes are not productively separable in modern english.
Examples
purslane is often added to summer salads for its crisp, slightly tangy flavor.
the gardener considered purslane a weed, but it is actually edible and nutritious.
you can find purslane growing in cracks in the pavement or in garden beds.