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alfalfa Definition

al·falfa (al fal′fə)

noun

a deep-rooted perennial plant (Medicago sativa) of the pea family, with small divided leaves, purple cloverlike flowers, and spiral pods, used extensively for fodder and pasture and as a cover crop

Etymology: Sp < Ar al-fiṣfiṣa, fodder in its freshest state

alfalfa Synonyms

alfalfa

n.

fodder, feed, legume; see hay.

alfalfa Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • grow: It has been reported that growing alfalfa with regular mowing can eliminate creeping thistle.
  • contain: They seemed to contain alfalfa and some kind of pate; mushroom perhaps, or ground nuts.
  • base: Any alfalfa based foods ( such as alfalfa hay ), should be removed from the diet.
  • use: You can also use alfalfa or rabbit pellets which are absorbent and edible.
  • feed: We recommend that you feed alfalfa as part of your Chinchillas diet either as a supplement or on a daily basis.
  • eat: Rabbits, Tortoises and Guinea pigs also enjoy eating alfalfa for these reasons also but with added bonus of being good for their teeth.

Adjective modifier

  • ready: Roundup Ready Alfalfa Touted 03 March 2006 Capital Press The makers of Roundup Ready alfalfa expect strong demand for the transgenic seed this year.
  • organic: Tests by the Food Standards Agency found the bug present in organic alfalfa produced by Aconbury Sprouts.

Modifies a noun

  • sprout: Do not eat bean sprouts or alfalfa sprouts raw.
  • hay: Alfalfa hay, a natural forage, provides the fiber necessary to maintain your guinea pig's intestinal health.
  • mosaic: The alfalfa mosaic virus was used to produce rabies vaccine in spinach and tobacco [ 15 ] .
  • seed: Cooking alfalfa seeds has been reported to erase this effect.
  • virus: The alfalfa mosaic virus was used to produce rabies vaccine in spinach and tobacco [ 15 ] .
  • plant: These pests carry bacterium which they inject into alfalfa plant stems using their proboscis.