the word 'sundew' is a transparent compound from old english elements, directly describing the plant's appearance. the 'sun' component refers not to the plant's habitat but to the visual resemblance of the glistening, sticky secretions on its leaves to morning dew sparkling in sunlight. the 'dew' element captures this characteristic dewy, moisture-beaded look. this descriptive name, formed entirely within english, highlights the plant's most distinctive and observable feature, which is the mechanism it uses to attract and capture its prey.

Structure: sun + dew sun (old english, meaning "the sun") + dew (old english, meaning "moisture condensed from the atmosphere")