weed
UK: wiːd | US: wiːd
n. a wild plant growing where it is not wanted, especially among crops or garden plants
v. to remove unwanted plants from an area
The word "weed" originates from Old English "wēod," meaning "herb, grass, or weed," likely derived from Proto-Germanic "*weud-" (to grow, sprout). The morpheme "wee" reflects the idea of small or insignificant growth, while the suffix "-d" is an archaic English ending. Over time, "weed" narrowed in meaning to specifically denote unwanted plants, emphasizing their intrusive nature in cultivated spaces.
The garden was overrun with weeds after weeks of neglect.
She spent the afternoon weeding the flower beds.
Farmers often struggle to control invasive weeds in their fields.
Some weeds, like dandelions, are edible and nutritious.
He accidentally pulled out a seedling while weeding the vegetable patch.