costmary
[ kost-mair-ee, kawst- ]
noun,plural cost·mar·ies.
a composite plant, Chrysanthemum balsamita, that has silvery, fragrant leaves and is used in salads and as a flavoring.
Origin of costmary
11325–75; Middle English costmarie, equivalent to cost (Old English cost costmary <Latin costum,costus a composite herb, Saussurea lappa<Greek kóstos) + Marie (the Virgin) Mary
- Also called mint geranium.
Words Nearby costmary
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for costmary
costmary
/ (ˈkɒstˌmɛərɪ) /
nounplural -maries
a herbaceous plant, Chrysanthemum balsamita, native to Asia. Its fragrant leaves were used as a seasoning and to flavour ale: family Asteraceae (composites): Also called: alecost
Origin of costmary
1C15 costmarie, from Latin costum aromatic plant + Marie (the Virgin) Mary
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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