triffid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary/Science Fiction
Quick answer
What does “triffid” mean?
A fictional, aggressive, mobile, carnivorous plant with a lethal sting, popularised by the novel 'The Day of the Triffids'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fictional, aggressive, mobile, carnivorous plant with a lethal sting, popularised by the novel 'The Day of the Triffids'.
Any large, threatening, or aggressive-looking plant, especially one that appears to have unnatural or dangerous qualities. Used metaphorically to describe an invasive, uncontrolled, or menacing growth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly higher recognition in British English due to the author's nationality and the story's cultural penetration via BBC adaptations.
Connotations
Identical connotations of dangerous, invasive plant life. The British cultural context might include post-war anxieties about science and society.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects, but marginally more likely to be encountered in UK media or literary discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “triffid” in a Sentence
The garden was overrun with [triffids]It grew like a [triffid]He was menaced by a [triffid]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “triffid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bindweed had completely triffided the entire fence line.
American English
- If we don't prune it, that bush will just triffid all over the patio.
adjective
British English
- The garden had a vaguely triffid-like atmosphere after the warm, wet summer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Potentially metaphorical for an uncontrollable cost or project.
Academic
Only in literary criticism or cultural studies discussing post-apocalyptic fiction or science fiction tropes.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Might be used humorously to describe a fast-growing or ugly plant in the garden.
Technical
Not used in botany, horticulture, or biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “triffid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “triffid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “triffid”
- Capitalising it (it's often lower case in extended use).
- Using it to describe any large plant without the connotation of threat or fiction.
- Misspelling as 'trifid' or 'triffide'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is entirely fictional. It was invented by author John Wyndham for his 1951 novel 'The Day of the Triffids'.
Yes, but only in a humorous or metaphorical sense. It implies the plant is unusually large, fast-growing, or threatening, much like the fictional creature.
It is pronounced /ˈtrɪfɪd/ (TRIF-id), with the stress on the first syllable, in both British and American English.
Dictionaries record words that have entered common usage. 'Triffid' is a notable cultural reference that English speakers use metaphorically, so it warrants an entry despite its fictional origin.
A fictional, aggressive, mobile, carnivorous plant with a lethal sting, popularised by the novel 'The Day of the Triffids'.
Triffid is usually literary/science fiction in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To grow like a triffid”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TRIFling weed that you can't get rid of, but it's also RAPIDly growing and FRIGHTENING – a TRIFFID.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURE IS A THREAT; UNCONTROLLED GROWTH IS DANGEROUS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary origin of the word 'triffid'?