arnica

American  

[ahr-ni-kuh] / ˈɑr nɪ kə /

noun

1. any composite plant of the genus Arnica, having opposite leaves and yellow flower heads.

2. 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.

---

arnica British  

/ ˈɑːnɪkə /

noun

1. any N temperate or arctic plant of the genus Arnica, typically having yellow flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

2. the tincture of the dried flower heads of any of these plants, esp A. montana, used in treating bruises

---

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

ARNICA, a genus of plants belonging to the natural order Compositae, and containing 18 species, mostly north-west American.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 6 "Armour Plates" to "Arundel, Earls of" by Various