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dodder¹ Definition

dod·der (däd′ər)

intransitive verb

  1. to shake or tremble, as from old age
  2. to be unsteady; totter

Etymology: ME daderen, akin to OE dyderian, to confuse, delude, MDu doten, dote < IE *dheudh-, to whirl in confusion, shake (> Gr thysanos, fringe) < base *dheu-; see dull

dodder² Definition

dod·der (däd′ər)

noun

any of a genus (Cuscuta) of parasitic plants of the morning-glory family, lacking leaves, roots, and chlorophyll, but having special suckers for drawing nourishment from the host

Etymology: ME doder < Late OE dodder < same base as dodder: akin to dial. dodder, quaking-grass & Ger dotter, egg yolk

dodder Synonyms

dodder

v.

tremble, totter, quaver; see reel, shake 1, totter 1, 2.

dodder Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • common: Also look for the brownish flower spikes of knapweed broomrape, and common dodder with its long red tendrils.