locoweed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical (Botany, Veterinary Science), Regional (Western North American ranching).
Quick answer
What does “locoweed” mean?
A type of plant found in North America that is poisonous to livestock when eaten.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of plant found in North America that is poisonous to livestock when eaten.
Any of several species of leguminous plants (genera Astragalus and Oxytropis) of western North America containing toxic alkaloids that cause neurological damage and erratic behaviour in animals, especially horses and cattle. By extension, can be used metaphorically to describe something that causes confusion or irrationality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is almost exclusively used in American English, specifically in regions where the plant is native (western North America). In British English contexts, it is a highly technical or imported term.
Connotations
In American English, connotes a specific agricultural hazard and the associated 'loco' (crazy) behaviour in animals. In British English, if encountered, it is purely a botanical label.
Frequency
High frequency in American ranching/veterinary discourse; very low to zero in general British English.
Grammar
How to Use “locoweed” in a Sentence
[The pasture] is infested with locoweed.[Grazing animals] are poisoned by locoweed.[Ranchers] try to eradicate locoweed from [their land].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “locoweed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - not used as an adjective.
American English
- N/A - not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in general business. Relevant only in agribusiness reports concerning livestock health and pasture management in specific regions.
Academic
Used in botany, ecology, veterinary medicine, and agricultural science papers focusing on toxic plants and their effects.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation outside of ranching communities in the western US/Canada.
Technical
Standard term in veterinary toxicology and range management for the specific toxic plants causing locoism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “locoweed”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “locoweed”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “locoweed”
- Misspelling as 'lokoweed' or 'lowcoweed'. Using it as a general term for any weed. Incorrectly assuming it is a verb ('to locoweed').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While primarily toxic to livestock, locoweed is generally not considered a direct food source for humans, and its alkaloids could be harmful if ingested in quantity.
No, it is considered a noxious weed and an agricultural pest with no widespread commercial or medicinal use due to its toxicity.
The name comes from the Spanish word 'loco', meaning 'crazy', referencing the neurological symptoms (staggering, erratic behaviour) exhibited by poisoned animals.
No, it is almost entirely restricted to American English, specifically the dialect of ranching and veterinary science in western North America where the plant is native.
A type of plant found in North America that is poisonous to livestock when eaten.
Locoweed is usually technical (botany, veterinary science), regional (western north american ranching). in register.
Locoweed: in British English it is pronounced /ˈləʊ.kəʊ.wiːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈloʊ.koʊ.wiːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) crazy as a cow on locoweed (regional, informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LOCO' means 'crazy' in Spanish. A WEED that makes animals go LOCO. Loco + weed = locoweed.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SOURCE OF IRRATIONALITY / POISON FOR THE MIND (e.g., 'That conspiracy theory is intellectual locoweed.').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'locoweed'?