Ajuga, a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the mint family Lamiaceae, with most species native to Europe, Asia, and Africa; also, specifically:

(idiomatic) A compromise position between extremes. / (art, photography) The middle distance.

(idiomatic) The situation in reality as opposed to in the abstract. / (literally) Some aspects of the situation in a particular location.

(literally) To begin digging in the earth at the start of a new construction, or, originally, for cultivation. / (idiomatic) To initiate a new venture, or to advance beyond previous achievements.

Any of very many spiders, of the family Gnaphosidae, that hunt their prey instead of building a web to catch them.

Something, particularly plants, which overlays an area of land. May refer to plants specifically grown to prevent erosion of an area.

Originally, the point on the land or water surface below which a nuclear bomb detonates in the air; now also the point on such a surface at or above the detonation.

On or above the surface of the ground. / (figuratively) Not dead and buried; alive.

(of a missile) fired from the ground at an aircraft in flight, or at an incoming missile

(of a missile) fired from an aircraft at a target on the ground