matrimony vine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency; specialist (botany, horticulture, herbalism).Formal/Botanical/Herbalist.
Quick answer
What does “matrimony vine” mean?
A perennial shrub (genus Lycium) of the nightshade family, bearing edible red berries and often cultivated as an ornamental or medicinal plant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A perennial shrub (genus Lycium) of the nightshade family, bearing edible red berries and often cultivated as an ornamental or medicinal plant.
In Western herbalism, sometimes used as a tonic; in Chinese medicine (gouqi), the berries (goji berries) are used extensively. The common name may refer to the plant's traditional symbolic use in weddings or its twining growth habit suggesting union.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More likely to be recognized by gardeners or herbalists in both regions. The term 'goji berry' for the fruit is now common internationally, but 'matrimony vine' as the plant name persists.
Connotations
Slightly old-fashioned or literary in both dialects due to the 'matrimony' element. In the US, may be associated more with alternative medicine contexts.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both; 'Lycium' or 'goji plant' are competing terms.
Grammar
How to Use “matrimony vine” in a Sentence
The matrimony vine (grows/sprawls/produces berries)To cultivate/harvest from the matrimony vineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matrimony vine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in niche herbal supplement or gardening industries.
Academic
Used in botanical, horticultural, or ethnopharmacology texts.
Everyday
Very rare; a gardener or health enthusiast might use it.
Technical
Standard term in botanical keys and horticultural guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matrimony vine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matrimony vine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matrimony vine”
- Using 'matrimony vine' to refer to the dried fruit (which are goji berries).
- Confusing it with other berry-producing vines like bittersweet.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the berries of most Lycium species (commonly called goji or wolfberries) are edible and used in cooking and herbalism.
The origin is uncertain but is likely folk-etymological, possibly referring to the plant's twining habit (suggesting union) or the traditional use of its berries to promote health and longevity in a partnership.
Yes, 'matrimony vine' is a common name for the plant that produces goji berries (Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense).
Yes, many Lycium species are hardy and can be grown in temperate climates in both the UK and US, often as a decorative and fruiting shrub.
A perennial shrub (genus Lycium) of the nightshade family, bearing edible red berries and often cultivated as an ornamental or medicinal plant.
Matrimony vine is usually formal/botanical/herbalist. in register.
Matrimony vine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmætrɪməni vaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmætrəmoʊni vaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'matrimony' (marriage) + 'vine' – a plant whose intertwined growth suggests a lasting union, and whose red berries are used for health, perhaps to promote long life in a marriage.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT IS A SOURCE OF SUSTENANCE/UNION (from its symbolic name and medicinal use).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'matrimony vine' primarily?