calendula

American  

[kuh-len-juh-luh] / kəˈlɛn dʒə lə /

noun

1. Also called pot marigold.  a composite plant, Calendula officinalis, widely cultivated for its showy, many-rayed orange or yellow flower heads.

2. the dried florets of this plant, sometimes used medicinally.

3. any other plant of the genus Calendula.

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calendula British  

/ kæˈlɛndjʊlə /

noun

1. any Eurasian plant of the genus Calendula, esp the pot marigold, having orange-and-yellow rayed flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

2. the dried flowers of the pot marigold, formerly used medicinally and for seasoning

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Etymology

Origin of calendula

1870–75; < Medieval Latin, equivalent to Latin calend ( ae ) calends + -ula -ule

Compare meaning

How does calendula compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• calendula vs. marigold

Example Sentences

Herbalists recommend calendula lotions, creams, and ointments for chapped skin, eczema, minor cuts and burns, diaper rash, insect bites, hemorrhoids, athlete’s foot, and varicose veins.

From National Geographic • Feb. 7, 2024

Sweet and mild calendula will politely seed around to be a welcome garden presence.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2022

It also has calendula and chamomile to calm the skin, and sandalwood and neroli give it a heavenly scent.

From New York Times • May 10, 2021

They were the bright yellow in the calendula flowers, the ocher streaks in the tomato skins, the yellow-green of the sorrel and kale, and the topaz of the turning maple leaves.

From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2019

I built up the fire in the hearth, set my shoes and damp stockings to dry in front of it, and rubbed a calendula salve on my blisters.

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson