figwort

American  

[fig-wurt, -wawrt] / ˈfɪgˌwɜrt, -ˌwɔrt /

noun

1. any of numerous tall, usually coarse woodland plants of the genus Scrophularia, having a terminal cluster of small greenish-brown to purplish-brown flowers.

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figwort British  

/ ˈfɪɡˌwɜːt /

noun

1. any scrophulariaceous plant of the N temperate genus Scrophularia , having square stems and small brown or greenish flowers

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Etymology

Origin of figwort

First recorded in 1540–50; fig ¹ + wort ²

Example Sentences

He paddled across awkwardly, his head tilted high out of the water, and made for the figwort.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

I have indicated only a few by way of a hint, and in previous papers on the bluebottle and figwort have described others, but none quite similar to the barberry.

From Eye Spy Afield with Nature Among Flowers and Animate Things by Gibson, W. Hamilton (William Hamilton)

In old times the Water figwort was famous as a vulnerary, both when used externally, and when taken in decoction.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas

Country children, and indeed older folk, call the foliage of the knotted figwort cutfinger leaves, as they are believed to assist the cure of a cut or sore.

From Nature Near London by Jefferies, Richard

She shrank from the little jungle of rank plants before her, evil-smelling figwort and hemlock.

From Women in Love by Lawrence, D. H. (David Herbert)