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

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)

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)

They lay eggs, one in a place, upon the leaves of plantain, figwort, gerardia, and related plants generally near the tip of the leaves.

From Butterflies Worth Knowing by Weed, Clarence M.

Fanning the air with gauzy wings, the honey bee comes for a feast on the flowers of the figwort.

From Some Summer Days in Iowa by Lazell, Frederick John