figwort

[ fig-wurt, -wawrt ]

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.

figwort

/ ˈfɪɡˌwɜːt /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of figwort¹

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

Example Sentences

One species—the Water Figwort (Scrophularia aquatica)—grows in marshes and on the banks of ditches and streams.

From Project Gutenberg

Scrophularia, or figwort (Scrophularia marilandica), contains a principle which has a digitalis-like action on the heart.

From Project Gutenberg

One species, Vespa sylvestris, which seldom enters our houses, is very partial to the flowers of Scrophularia (Figwort).

From Project Gutenberg

The Knotty Figwort is a tall and stout plant, with a four-sided stem which is curiously twisted.

From Project Gutenberg

The leaves near the foot of the Knotty Figwort stem are large and broadly oval, with short stalks.

From Project Gutenberg