Dropwort

/ˈdrɒpwɜːrt/ noun

Definition

A plant of the rose family with small white or pink flowers and feathery leaves, found in meadows and grasslands.

Etymology

From Old English 'drop' (a small amount of liquid) and 'wort' (plant), named for the plant's tendency to grow in moist areas or for its small droplet-like flowers.

Kelly Says

Medieval herbalists thought dropwort's roots resembled tiny potatoes and used them as a food source during famines, which is why some varieties are called 'meadow turnips'—a plant with an identity crisis!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.