Bromus
/ˈbroʊ.məs/noun
A genus of grasses commonly known as brome grasses, including several species of wild oat-like plants.
Did you know?The Greek word behind Bromus was associated with wild oats and is traditionally connected with a verb meaning “to roar,” possibly evoking the sound of grass moving in the wind.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*brem-
“A reconstructed root associated with roaring, booming, or making a resonant sound.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βρόμος (brómos)
“Wild oat or a grass resembling the oat; traditionally linked with the idea of roaring or rustling.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βρέμω (brémō)
“To roar, resound, or make a loud vibrating sound; a proposed connection underlying the plant name.”
18th Century
Scientific Latin
Bromus
“A botanical genus name formed from the Greek plant term.”
Modern English
English
Bromus
“The taxonomic genus of brome grasses, including species such as ripgut brome and soft brome.”
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