foxglove

American

[foks-gluhv] / ˈfɒksˌglʌv /

noun

any Eurasian plant belonging to the genus Digitalis, of the figwort family, especially D. purpurea, having drooping, tubular, purple or white flowers on tall spikes, and leaves that are the source of digitalis in medicine.

foxglove British

/ ˈfɒksˌɡlʌv /

noun

any Eurasian scrophulariaceous plant of the genus Digitalis , esp D. purpurea , having spikes of purple or white thimble-like flowers. The soft wrinkled leaves are a source of digitalis

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of foxglove

before 1000; Middle English foxes glove, Old English foxes glōfa. See fox, glove

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The experience has empowered her to consider next year’s growing season, which she hopes will include dahlias, foxglove and amaranth.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2023

However, he did not know that the active ingredients in foxglove leaves had a direct effect on the heart.

From Science Daily • Sep. 18, 2023

Add a breezy backyard kitchen complete with shuttered French doors, handmade tiles, handwoven jute rug, pink foxglove, and . . . swoon.

From Salon • Jul. 13, 2022

Bees and hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar-rich blooms of rusty foxglove.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 10, 2021

Ivy for burns, comfrey for fever, foxglove for heart pain, laurel leaves for ringworm, houseleek for the eyes, the web of a spider for bleeding.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023