mistletoe: [OE] Mistletoe is a mystery word. It means literally ‘mistletoe twig’, and comes from an Old English compound misteltān formed from mistel ‘mistletoe’ and tān ‘twig’. The origins of mistel, however (which has relatives in German mistil and Dutch and Swedish mistel), are unknown. The mistle thrush [18], or missel thrush, got its name from its predilection for mistletoe berries.
mistletoe (n.)
Old English mistiltan, from mistel "mistletoe" (see missel) + tan "twig." Similar formation in Old Norse mistilteinn, Norwegian misteltein, Danish mistelten. The second element is cognate with Old Saxon and Old Frisian ten, Old Norse teinn, Dutch teen, Old High German zein, Gothic tains "twig." Venerated by the Druids; the custom of hanging it at Christmas and kissing under it is mentioned by Washington Irving.
实用例句
1. the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe
在槲寄生枝下亲吻的习俗
来自《权威词典》
2. The mistletoe plant is a parasite on trees.
槲寄生是寄生于树上的植物.
来自《简明英汉词典》
3. Holly, like ivy and mistletoe, is an evergreen.
冬青和常春藤、槲寄生一样，都是常绿植物。
来自辞典例句
4. Prepare to stand down sectors Redwood, Douglas, Cedar and Mistletoe.
各部门准备离开.红木 、 道格拉斯 、 雪松、和槲寄生.
来自电影对白
5. Missed toll Mistletoe is apperent site a parasite plant.
