sedge

views updated May 23 2018

sedge / sej/ • n. a grasslike plant (Carex and other genera, family Cyperaceae) with triangular stems and inconspicuous flowers, widely distributed throughout temperate and cold regions, growing typically in wet ground.DERIVATIVES: sedg·y / ˈsejē/ adj.ORIGIN: Old English secg, of Germanic origin, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin secare ‘to cut.’

sedge

views updated May 23 2018

sedge Any of numerous species of grass-like perennial plants, especially those of the genus Carex, widely distributed in temperate, cold, and tropical mountain regions, usually on wet ground or in water. Cultivated as ornamental plants, they have narrow leaves and spikes of brown, green or greenish yellow flowers. Family Cyperaceae.

sedge

views updated May 23 2018

sedge coarse grassy plant. OE. seċġ :- Gmc. *saʒja-, *saʒ- *seʒ- :- IE. *sek- cut, repr. by L. secāre.