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broomrape definition

broom·rape (-rāp′)

noun

any of a genus (Orobanche) of the broomrape family of leafless, fleshy, parasitic plants growing on the roots of other plants

Etymology: broom + rape, used as transl. of ML rapum genistae, lit., broom tuber

adjective

designating a family (Orobanchaceae, order Scrophulariales) of dicotyledonous leafless plants, including beechdrops, parasitic on the roots of other plants

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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