broom·rape (br m r p , br m-)n. Any of various parasitic herbs of the genus Orobanche, having purplish or yellowish flowers and small scalelike leaves that lack chlorophyll. Broomrape grows on the roots of various plants. [Translation of Medieval Latin r pum genistae : Latin rpum, underground stock of a tree + Latin genistae, genitive of genista, broom (from the growth of these tubers on the roots of broom).] |
broomrape [ˈbruːmˌreɪp ˈbrʊm-]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any orobanchaceous plant of the genus Orobanche: brownish small-flowered leafless parasites on the roots of other plants, esp on legumes
[adaptation and partial translation of Medieval Latin rāpum genistae tuber (hence: root nodule) of Genista (a type of broom plant)]
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