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ragweed (n.)

1790, from ragged + weed (n.); so called from shape of the leaves. Applied to a different plant (ragwort) from 1650s.

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Definitions of ragweed from WordNet

ragweed (n.)
widespread European weed having yellow daisylike flowers; sometimes an obnoxious weed and toxic to cattle if consumed in quantity;
Synonyms: ragwort / tansy ragwort / benweed / Senecio jacobaea
ragweed (n.)
any of numerous chiefly North American weedy plants constituting the genus Ambrosia that produce highly allergenic pollen responsible for much hay fever and asthma;
Synonyms: ambrosia / bitterweed
From wordnet.princeton.edu