Curdwort

/ˈkɜrdwɜrt/ noun

Definition

A plant with leaves or appearance resembling curdled milk, or a plant historically used in cheese-making processes.

Etymology

Compound of 'curd' (from Old Norse 'kurðr') and 'wort' (from Old English 'wyrt' meaning plant). The term emerged in medieval herbalism to describe plants associated with dairy production.

Kelly Says

Medieval herbalists named plants based on what they looked like or what you could use them for—curdwort literally means 'the plant that looks like or helps with curds.' It's like the original product placement in nature!

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