hyssop

American  

[his-uhp] / ˈhɪs əp /

noun

1. any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Hyssopus, of the mint family, especially H. officinalis, native to Europe, having clusters of small blue flowers.

2. any of several related or similar plants, especially of the genera Agastache or Gratiola.

3. Bible. a plant, perhaps the origan, whose twigs were used in ceremonial sprinkling.

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hyssop British  

/ ˈhɪsəp /

noun

1. a widely cultivated Asian plant, Hyssopus officinalis, with spikes of small blue flowers and aromatic leaves, used as a condiment and in perfumery and folk medicine: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

2. any of several similar or related plants such as the hedge hyssop

3. a Biblical plant, used for sprinkling in the ritual practices of the Hebrews

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Etymology

Origin of hyssop

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English ysope, from Late Latin ysōpus, for Latin hyssōpus, from Greek hýssōpos, from Semitic (compare Hebrew ēzōbh ); conformed to Latin or Greek from the mid-16th century

Example Sentences

Anise hyssop is part of the mint family and a perennial native to North America.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2024

Wiseman, 47, offered a package containing a small bottle of hyssop, cedarwood and olive oil along with a prayer card and piece of scarlet yarn.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2024

Here: saseuljeok — literally, “grilled chain skewers” — made with alternating pieces of American Wagyu beef and line-caught tilefish, with char-grilled zucchini and a salad of scallions, lettuce, anise hyssop and herbs.Credit...Photograph by David Chow.

From New York Times • Oct. 12, 2022

A supporting cast of honey and anise hyssop plants round out the porky saltiness with floral and syrupy sweetness.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2022

Likely she would run through the fields dressed in sackcloth, hunting hyssop amongst the wild bulls, if not obligated to the higher plane of Motherhood.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver