wheatgrass
Meaning
a young grass of the common wheat plant, consumed as a health food or dietary supplement.
any of several related grasses, often used for juice or powder with purported health benefits.
Structure
Usage
she starts her day with a shot of freshly juiced wheatgrass.
wheatgrass powder is often added to smoothies for an extra nutrient boost.
some people grow trays of wheatgrass at home for daily harvesting.
Etymology
the word is a transparent modern english compound, formed by combining two old english nouns. "wheat" derives from the proto-germanic "hwaitijaz", related to "white", likely referring to the light color of the refined flour. "grass" comes from proto-germanic "grasan", meaning a green herbage or pasture. the compound "wheatgrass" is a descriptive term from the 20th century, specifically denoting the young, green shoots of the wheat plant (triticum aestivum) when used for juicing or as a supplement. it logically names the plant by its species origin ("wheat") and its form at the stage of consumption ("grass").
Analysis
"wheat" from old english "hwæte" (meaning "wheat"), of germanic origin. "grass" from old english "græs" (meaning "herb, plant, grass"), of germanic origin.