bistort

[ bis-tawrt ]

noun

1. Also called snakeweed. a European plant, Polygonum bistorta, of the buckwheat family, having a twisted root, which is sometimes used as an astringent.
2. any of several related plants, as P. viviparum alpine bistort.

bistort

/ ˈbɪstɔːt /

noun

1. Also calledsnakerootsnakeweedEaster-ledges a Eurasian polygonaceous plant, Polygonum bistorta , having leaf stipules fused to form a tube around the stem and a spike of small pink flowers
2. Also calledsnakeroot a related plant, Polygonum bistortoides , of W North America, with oval clusters of pink or white flowers
3. any of several other plants of the genus Polygonum

Word History and Origins

Origin of bistort¹

First recorded in 1570–80, bistort is from the Medieval Latin word bistorta twice twisted. See bis ¹, tort

Word History and Origins

Origin of bistort¹

C16: from French bistorte , from Latin bis twice + tortus from torquēre to twist

Example Sentences

Ser′pent-fish, the snake-fish; Ser′pent-grass, the alpine bistort.

From Project Gutenberg

The roots of bistort and tormentil, and bark of pomegranate, equal parts.

From Project Gutenberg

From the dried root of bistort or snake-weed (Polygonum Bistorta), by percolation with temperate distilled water.

From Project Gutenberg

Bistort makes pink islands amid hay grass that waits the scythe.

From Project Gutenberg

Viviparous Bistort (Polygonum viviparum) grew hereabouts two spans in height.

From Project Gutenberg