tumbleweed

Definition

Any plant which habitually breaks away from its roots once dry, forming a light, rolling mass which is driven by the wind from place to place; as Russian thistle, wild indigo, witch grass, Amaranthus albus, etc.

Etymology

From tumble + weed.

Example Sentences

• "Putting an ad in the local paper that Spock's Beard and Arena are in town will get you a tumbleweed response and some wasted revenue."
• "“Why do families argue?” may only induce the tumbleweed response. (Could you answer that question out of the blue?)"