Ragworts

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of flowering plant belonging to the genus Senecio, often characterized by its yellow blooms and potential toxicity to livestock
2. Plants from the genus Senecio, commonly known for their vibrant yellow flowers and the risk they pose when consumed by animals
3. Referring to various species within the Senecio genus, these plants are noted for their distinctive yellow flowers and harmful effects if ingested by grazing animals

Etymology: "Ragworts" is the plural of "ragwort", a noun for yellow-flowered toxic plants of the genus Senecio and related plants. The plural simply names more than one of these plants. The singular is a compound of "rag" and "wort". "Wort" is an old English word for a plant or herb, descended from Old English "wyrt", and it survives in many plant names such as St John's wort and mugwort. "Rag" here refers to the plant's ragged leaves, which are deeply divided and torn-looking, so the name describes the plant by its foliage rather than its flowers.