samphire

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun fleshy maritime plant having fleshy stems with rudimentary scalelike leaves and small spikes of minute flowers; formerly used in making glass

Originally sampiere, from French Saint Pierre (Saint Peter), the patron saint of fishermen who often harvested the plant.

Tiny paused, with her hands full of samphire. — A sailor's lass, Emma Leslie
Sea spleenwort and masses of samphire grew on the cliffs to his right. — Antony Gray,—Gardener, LM (Leslie Moore)
“Aunt March is a regular samphire, is she not?” observed Amy, tasting her mixture critically. — Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

glasswort, Salicornia europaea

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