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

The authors established the first stable transformation system to modify foxglove plants for the study of specialised metabolites.

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

Plant rusty foxglove in partial to full sun, and provide well-drained soil.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 10, 2021

Towers of dappled foxglove bells blossomed wherever she walked.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish

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