mustard tree

• 一种大型灌木或小乔木，以其极小的种子著称，常在寓言和成语中用来比喻微小之物长成巨大或重要之物；亦指芥菜类植物。

A large shrub or small tree known for its tiny seeds, often referenced in parables and idioms to describe something small growing into something large or significant.

1. A large shrub or small treeB2formal

   A plant from the Brassicaceae family, known for its small seeds used to make mustard. In some contexts, it refers to a tree-like shrub that can grow quite large.

   芥菜树

   • The mustard tree can grow up to 20 feet tall in warm climates.
   • Birds often nest in the branches of the mustard tree.
   • The farmer planted a mustard tree near the edge of his field.

2. Biblical referenceC1formal

   In the Bible, a metaphor for something that starts very small but grows into something large and significant.

   圣经比喻

   • The parable of the mustard seed describes how faith can grow like a mustard tree.
   • He compared his small business to a mustard tree, starting tiny but expanding greatly.
   • The mustard tree symbolizes growth from humble beginnings.