phragmites

noun

phrag·​mi·​tes frag-ˈmī-ˌtēz How to pronounce phragmites (audio)
: any of a genus (Phragmites) of widely distributed reeds with tall stems and large showy panicles resembling plumes

Examples of phragmites in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An amphibious vehicle is used by hydrologists to reach areas of study in Farmington Bay, choked by invasive thickets of phragmites on Thursday, Nov. 3. 2022. Sofia Jeremias, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Jan. 2023 The banks of the Stewart's Creek Estuary are lined with phragmites, an invasive reed species that grows in wetland areas. Andrew Brinker, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Nov. 2022 The state has an ambitious program to remove the phragmites, as do other organizations like Ducks Unlimited and The Nature Conservancy, with an assist from the federal government in grants. The Salt Lake Tribune, 22 July 2022 Saltgrass, native phragmites, and maritime marsh-elder are also prominent, all of which are important parts of the ecosystem at Jacob’s Point. Alexa Gagosz, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Sep. 2022 As the wetlands dry, opportunistic phragmites move in, suck up precious water, and spread like a fire. The Salt Lake Tribune, 22 July 2022 After eight years of mechanical and chemical treatments, the state has reduced phragmites cover around the lake by 70%, leaving about 3,200 acres left to tackle, according to Ben Stireman, Utah’s sovereign lands program director. Brian Maffly, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Mar. 2022 Dense stands of invasive phragmites have sprung up along the district’s current discharge canal. Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 June 2022 In granting the variance to the phosphorus limit, state agencies are requiring North Davis Sewer to mitigate phragmites in Farmington Bay. Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 June 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phragmites.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek phragmitēs growing in hedges, from phragma fence, hedge, from phrassein to enclose

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phragmites was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near phragmites

Cite this Entry

“Phragmites.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phragmites. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

phragmites

noun
phrag·​mi·​tes frag-ˈmī-ˌtēz How to pronounce phragmites (audio)
: any of various tall reeds with large feathery clusters of flowers
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!