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costmary

[ kost-mair-ee, kawst- ]

noun

, plural cost·mar·ies.
  1. a composite plant, Chrysanthemum balsamita, that has silvery, fragrant leaves and is used in salads and as a flavoring.


costmary

/ ˈkɒstˌmɛərɪ /

noun

  1. a herbaceous plant, Chrysanthemum balsamita, native to Asia. Its fragrant leaves were used as a seasoning and to flavour ale: family Asteraceae (composites) Also calledalecost
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of costmary1

1325–75; Middle English costmarie, equivalent to cost ( Old English cost costmary < Latin costum, costus a composite herb, Saussurea lappa < Greek kóstos ) + Marie (the Virgin) Mary
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Word History and Origins

Origin of costmary1

C15 costmarie , from Latin costum aromatic plant + Marie (the Virgin) Mary
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Example Sentences

The plant costmary, which was formerly much used for flavoring ale.

The common perennial sweet-herbs are: Sage, lavender, peppermint, spearmint, hyssop, thyme, marjoram, balm, catnip, rosemary, horehound, fennel, lovage, winter savory, tansy, wormwood, costmary.

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