mullein
or mul·len
[muhl-uh n]
- any of various plants belonging to the genus Verbascum, of the figwort family, native to the Old World, especially V. thapsus, a tall plant with woolly leaves and a dense spike of yellow flowers.
- any of several similar plants.
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Origin of mullein
1325–75; Middle English moleine < Anglo-French, perhaps derivative of mol soft < Latin mollis
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for mullen
Contemporary Examples
When Admiral Mullen testified, it was one of the most memorable moments of our lives.
Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato’s Favorite World of Wonder Clips (VIDEO)Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato
February 5, 2013
Broadwell confirms what has long been accepted rumor: that Petraeus hoped to succeed Mullen as chairman of the joint chiefs.
Mullen was no doubt emboldened by the fact that he is leaving his job soon.
Mullen labeled the Haqqani Taliban a “veritable arm” and “proxy” of the ISI.
It is not as though this is the first administration warning about ISI; or even the first from Admiral Mullen.
Historical Examples
Its delivery was, from the viewpoint of Messrs. Young and Mullen, a success.
The PortygeeJoseph Crosby Lincoln
Curry sent a twister over second that Mullen could not get under.
Baseball Joe, Home Run KingLester Chadwick
You've heard how madly fond of her old Mullen became in his last days?
Patty's PerversitiesArlo Bates
Mullen put into her hands papers which related to my father's affairs, and I want them.
Patty's PerversitiesArlo Bates
And Miss Mullen—she's sent for me a sight more times than I've been.
Patty's PerversitiesArlo Bates
mullein
mullen
- any of various European herbaceous plants of the scrophulariaceous genus Verbascum, such as V. thapsus (common mullein or Aaron's rod), typically having tall spikes of yellow flowers and broad hairy leavesSee also Aaron's rod
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Word Origin
C15: from Old French moleine, probably from Old French mol soft, from Latin mollis
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for mullen
mullein
n.
tall plant of the figwort family, mid-15c., from Anglo-French moleine (French moulaine), perhaps literally "the soft-leaved plant," from French mol "soft," from Latin mollis (see melt (v.))
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper