Aira

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A group of grass species in the family Poaceae known for their fine, hair-like appearance ; a botanical genus found in temperate regions ; a collection of small, tufted grasses often called hair-grass
2. A set of delicate, wiry grasses in the grass family recognized as a genus in botanical classification ; a type of plant common in meadows and open fields ; fine-bladed grasses grouped together under a specific scientific name
3. A classification of slender grasses belonging to the Poaceae family, often termed hair-grass ; a genus of plants native to various temperate zones ; a botanical name for certain fine, airy grasses

Etymology: The genus name comes from Greek "aira," an ancient word for a grass or weed, likely darnel or a related wild grass. Botanists took the word over as a Latin scientific name, so it names a formal group of plants rather than an everyday English word. That group is the hair-grasses: small, tufted grasses whose slender stems and spikelets give them a fine, hair-like look. The name fits the plants' appearance, though the Greek word itself was applied to a different kind of grass.