hepatica

[ hi-pat-i-kuh ]

noun

1. any plant belonging to the genus Hepatica, of the buttercup family, having heart-shaped leaves and delicate purplish, pink, or white flowers.

hepatica

/ hɪˈpætɪkə /

noun

1. any ranunculaceous woodland plant of the N temperate genus Hepatica, having three-lobed leaves and white, mauve, or pink flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of hepatica¹

1540–50; < Medieval Latin: liverwort, noun use of feminine of Latin hēpaticus hepatic

Word History and Origins

Origin of hepatica¹

C16: from Medieval Latin: liverwort, from Latin hēpaticus of the liver

Example Sentences

It held aspirin, Sal Hepatica, cigarette papers and a Mason jar full of tobacco.

From The Daily Beast

During the same season, the first of our native flowers to appear was the hepatica, which I found on April 4.

From Project Gutenberg

I have placed in the above list several flowers that are intermittently fragrant, like the hepatica, or liver-leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

A pupil disputed with his teacher about the hepatica, claiming in opposition that it was sweet-scented.

From Project Gutenberg

See how the banks are all enamelled with the pale hepatica, the painted trillium, and the delicate pink-veined spring beauty.

From Project Gutenberg

The hepatica is not more beautiful than many another flower, but it takes us when we are hungry for the sight of a blossom.

From Project Gutenberg