Herniaria

/ˌhɛr.ni.ˈɛr.i.ə/ noun

Definition

A genus of small creeping plants, sometimes called rupturewort, historically used in folk medicine to treat hernias.

Etymology

From Latin hernia (rupture) plus the suffix -aria (related to), because the plant was believed to cure hernias.

Kelly Says

Medieval healers named this plant based on what they thought it could cure—talk about optimistic naming! Though sometimes folk remedies actually work!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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