'Phoradendron serotinum' definitions:
Definition of 'Phoradendron serotinum'
From: WordNet
noun
The traditional mistletoe of Christmas in America: grows on deciduous trees and can severely weaken the host plant [syn: American mistletoe, Phoradendron serotinum, Phoradendron flavescens]
Definition of 'Phoradendron serotinum'
From: GCIDE
- Mistletoe \Mis"tle*toe\, n. [AS. mistelt[=a]n; mistel mistletoe + t[=a]n twig. AS. mistel is akin of D., G., Dan. & Sw. mistel, OHG. mistil, Icel. mistilteinn; and AS. t[=a]n to D. teen, OHG. zein, Icel. teinn, Goth. tains. Cf. Missel.] (Bot.) A parasitic evergreen plant of Europe (Viscum album), bearing a glutinous fruit. When found upon the oak, where it is rare, it was an object of superstitious regard among the Druids. A bird lime is prepared from its fruit. [Written also misletoe, misseltoe, and mistleto.] --Lindley. --Loudon. [1913 Webster]
- Note: The mistletoe of the United States is {Phoradendron serotinum} (syn. Phoradendron flavescens), having broader leaves than the European kind. In different regions various similar plants are called by this name. The mistletoe is used as a decoration at Christmas time, and it is a tradition that two persons of the oposite sex finding each other under a mistletoe sprig should kiss. [1913 Webster +PJC]