soapwort

American  

[sohp-wurt, -wawrt] / ˈsoʊpˌwɜrt, -ˌwɔrt /

noun

1. a plant, Saponaria officinalis, of the pink family, whose leaves are used for cleansing.

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soapwort British  

/ ˈsəʊpˌwɜːt /

noun

1. Also called: bouncing Bet.  a Eurasian caryophyllaceous plant, Saponaria officinalis, having rounded clusters of fragrant pink or white flowers and leaves that were formerly used as a soap substitute

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Etymology

Origin of soapwort

First recorded in 1540–50; soap + wort ²

Example Sentences

For some unknown reason, almost all are better known than soapwort.

From New York Times

Injection of a toxin made from soapwort seeds that targeted these spinal-cord neurons blocked itch responses, but not other sensory responses, suggesting that information about the itch sensation is transmitted along a distinct pathway.

From Scientific American

Sap′onin, a vegetable principle, the solution of which froths when shaken, obtained from soapwort, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

Pretty pink-flowered rock soapwort doesn't occur north of Germany, according to official ranges published by botanists.

From Scientific American

Other sapotoxins are obtained from the roots of soapwort and from several species of Gypsophila.

From Project Gutenberg