arnica
Americannoun
-
arnicas
plural
-
any composite plant of the genus Arnica, having opposite leaves and yellow flower heads.
-
a tincture of the flowers of A. montana, of Europe, and other species of Arnica, formerly used as an external application in sprains and bruises.
noun
-
any N temperate or arctic plant of the genus Arnica, typically having yellow flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)
-
the tincture of the dried flower heads of any of these plants, esp A. montana, used in treating bruises
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of arnica
1745–55; < New Latin < ?
Explanation
Arnica is a plant with yellow flowers. These flowers can be dried and used medicinally, especially as a lotion or ointment that's also known as arnica. Using arnica on sore muscles or injuries — or taking arnica tablets for muscle pain — is considered an herbal or homeopathic remedy. The usefulness of arnica isn't proven by conventional medicine, but many people use it for bruising or soreness. The plant itself is native to cool areas of the Northern Hemisphere, and arnica includes dozens of different species. While arnica is a Latin word, its origin isn't known.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He found that several species — yarrow, tall bluebells, and arnica — tended to thrive in them.
From Salon ● Nov. 27, 2022
A: Traditionally, both comfrey and arnica have been used as topical medicines for pain or bruising.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 23, 2022
Once cleared of tree cover, the valley floor came to life with fireweed, arnica, paintbrush and multiple other varieties of wildflowers.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 18, 2020
It has a touch of arnica, which makes it especially soothing for any muscle soreness you may have.
From Slate ● Dec. 31, 2018
Neighbors suggested their own remedies: arnica compresses, packed mud from a holy well, ground elephant tusk from the Niger to mix in her daily broth.
From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
