hepatica

American  

[hi-pat-i-kuh] / hɪˈpæt ɪ kə /

noun

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

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hepatica British  

/ hɪˈpætɪkə /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of hepatica

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

Example Sentences

The pale blue hepatica, with leaves shaped like the lobes of the liver, was good for any liver disorder.

From Time Magazine Archive

Folks thought, Mr. Chris said, that hepatica leaves were good for liver medicine because the leaves were the shape of livers.

From "Miracles on Maple Hill" by Virginia Sorensen

"But listen; you don't listen," urged the lilac hepatica.

From A Round Dozen by Coolidge, Susan

The common liver fluke Fasciola hepatica 526 20.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry

Sturdier, less shadowy flowers replaced the bloodroot and hepatica.

From Dick's Desertion A Boy's Adventures in Canadian Forests by Pickthall, Marjorie L. C.