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

They were simple flowers, such as I had known in childhood and had not found in Virginia—yarrow, and queen of the meadow, and bluebells, and the little eyebright.

From Salute to Adventurers by Buchan, John

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

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

Did yon ever see such lovely white violets?" she said; "and is not that eyebright delicate, with its edging of colour?

From Nobody by Warner, Susan

The association of ideas was suggestive—the plant eyebright was used for centuries in diseases of the eye because a black speck in the flower suggested the pupil of the eye.

From The Evolution of Modern Medicine A Series of Lectures Delivered at Yale University on the Silliman Foundation in April, 1913 by Osler, William