hyssop

American  

[his-uhp] / ˈhɪs əp /

noun

1. any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Hyssopus, of the mint family, especially H. officinalis, native to Europe, having clusters of small blue flowers.

2. any of several related or similar plants, especially of the genera Agastache or Gratiola.

3. Bible. a plant, perhaps the origan, whose twigs were used in ceremonial sprinkling.

---

hyssop British  

/ ˈhɪsəp /

noun

1. a widely cultivated Asian plant, Hyssopus officinalis, with spikes of small blue flowers and aromatic leaves, used as a condiment and in perfumery and folk medicine: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

2. any of several similar or related plants such as the hedge hyssop

3. a Biblical plant, used for sprinkling in the ritual practices of the Hebrews

---

Etymology

Origin of hyssop

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English ysope, from Late Latin ysōpus, for Latin hyssōpus, from Greek hýssōpos, from Semitic (compare Hebrew ēzōbh ); conformed to Latin or Greek from the mid-16th century

Example Sentences

And, by the same token, I want a few words with Hyssop if she'm willing to give me ten minutes of her time.”

From Humorous Ghost Stories by Scarborough, Dorothy

Then again in the sun would be Hyssop and Catmint, and Lavender-cotton and Southernwood, with others of the scented Artemisias, and Sage and Marjoram.

From Wood and Garden Notes and thoughts, practical and critical, of a working amateur by Jekyll, Gertrude

By that time the old people at White Works and Tom Parsons was all gone home, and the secret remained safe enough with Hyssop herself.

From Humorous Ghost Stories by Scarborough, Dorothy

That the only woman in the world had miraculously appeared at Sagamore Lodge he had heard from Colonel Hyssop and Major Brent at dinner the evening before.

From A Young Man in a Hurry and Other Short Stories by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)

He should receive a Glyster, but without Oil, with double the Quantity of Salt, and a Bit of Soap of the Size of a small Egg; or with four or five Sprigs of Hedge Hyssop.

From Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health by Tissot, S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David)