knawel

noun

knaw·​el

ˈnȯ(ə)l

plural -s

: a low spreading Old World annual weed (Scleranthus annuus) with inconspicuous greenish flowers that is now widely distributed in North America

also : any of several other weedy plants of this genus

Word History

Etymology

modification of German knäuel, knauel, literally, ball of yarn, from Middle High German kniuwel, alteration of kliuwel, diminutive of kliuwe ball of yarn, from Old High German kliuwa

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!