blue tongue
• noun
Australian Any of several large, heavy-bodied Australasian skinks of the genus Tiliqua (family Scincidae), noted for displaying a bright cobalt-blue tongue as a defensive warning when threatened.
"A large blue tongue was basking on the warm flagstones near the garden shed."
An acute, non-contagious viral disease of wild and domestic ruminants, especially sheep and cattle, transmitted by biting midges and characterized by high fever, inflammation, and cyanosis of the tongue and mucous membranes.
"Veterinary authorities restricted livestock movement after an outbreak of blue tongue was detected in the regional sheep flock."
Australian The sweet, dark-purple edible berry of the native Australian shrub Melastoma affine (family Melastomataceae), containing dark pulp that stains the mouth and tongue a deep blue-black color when eaten.
"The children foraged for ripe blue tongues along the edge of the coastal rainforest."
Australian An evergreen shrub (Melastoma affine) of the family Melastomataceae, native to northern and eastern Australia and Southeast Asia, bearing showy five-petaled mauve to purple flowers with prominent yellow-and-red stamens.
"She planted a blue tongue in the garden to attract native bees with its vibrant purple blossoms."
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