ice plant
ice plant Lexical Profile
• noun
A low-growing, fleshy succulent plant native primarily to South Africa but naturalized in many coastal areas, characterized by leaves covered in glistening, water-filled cells that resemble frost or ice crystals.
"The steep coastal bluffs of California are often carpeted with blooming ice plant, which was historically introduced to prevent soil erosion."
An industrial facility or factory dedicated to the commercial production, processing, and storage of ice.
"Before the widespread adoption of home refrigerators, local residents had to purchase large blocks from the town's ice plant to keep their iceboxes cold."
Word Origin & Etymology
The botanical name derives from the glistening, bladder-like epidermal cells on the plant's leaves that resemble frozen ice crystals. The industrial sense originated in the 19th century with the advent of commercial refrigeration.