bitter herb

American  

noun

1. an Old World herb, Centaurium erythraea, used dried in medicine as a tonic.

2. the turtlehead, Chelone glabra, used in medicine as a tonic, cathartic, and anthelmintic.

3. Judaism. an herb that tastes bitter, as horseradish, traditionally eaten at the Seder, and serving as a reminder of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt.

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Example Sentences

Mar'or, a bitter herb, symbolizes the bitterness and harshness of the slavery.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2023

Items such as the bitter herb and salt water for dipping symbolize the bitterness of slavery and the tears associated with it, Vornbrock said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 16, 2022

To Claudius and Gertrude, she offers fennel and columbines, which are said to symbolize flattery and infidelity, as well as the bitter herb rue, an abortifacient that signifies either repentance or disdain.

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2020

Some traditional methods include compensation and ceremonies such as mato oput, a tradition involving drinking bitter herb and nyouo tong gweno, in which an egg is stepped on to symbolize a new beginning.

From Scientific American • Mar. 23, 2012

Just as for every bitter herb there was sweet charoset, hope and joy persisted alongside suffering.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros