eyebright

American  

[ahy-brahyt] / ˈaɪˌbraɪt /

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Euphrasia, of the figwort family, as E. officinalis of Europe, formerly used for treating diseases of the eye.

2. the scarlet pimpernel. pimpernel

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eyebright British  

/ ˈaɪˌbraɪt /

noun

1. Also called: euphrasy.  any scrophulariaceous annual plant of the genus Euphrasia, esp E. nemorosa, having small white-and-purple two-lipped flowers: formerly used in the treatment of eye disorders

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Etymology

Origin of eyebright

First recorded in 1525–35; eye + bright

Example Sentences

Several of the old poets praise the eyebright, or euphrasia, which has a black pupil-like spot on the corolla; therefore, it was thought by our ancestors to make a good eye-lotion.

From Chatterbox, 1906 by Clarke, J. Erskine (John Erskine)

Then later came crimson campion and eyebright, dog roses and honeysuckles, columbine and centaury, grasses of all kinds, and harebell, and a multitude impossible to name; though the very naming is pleasant.

From The Old Helmet, Volume II by Warner, Susan

Great, pale blue bird-foot violets were blooming on favoured slopes, and in protected hollows patches of eyebright made fairy forests on the moss, while under tatters of dead leaves by the brookside arbutus blushed.

From Judith of the Cumberlands by MacGowan, Alice

Euphrasy or eyebright with its little bright eye was a medicine for sore eyes.

From Masters of the Guild by Lamprey, L.

The sight has often been injured by the use of belladonna, preparations of the calabar bean, eyebright, and other substances having a strong effect on the eyes.

From The Ladies Book of Useful Information Compiled from many sources by Anonymous