mullein

or mul·len

[ muhl-uh n ]

/ ˈmʌl ən /

noun

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.

Nearby words

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for mullen

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|DAILY BEAST
Broadwell confirms what has long been accepted rumor: that Petraeus hoped to succeed Mullen as chairman of the joint chiefs.
New Biography of General Petraeus Misses the Man|John Barry|February 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Mullen was no doubt emboldened by the fact that he is leaving his job soon.
A New Al Qaeda in Pakistan|Tara McKelvey|September 24, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Mullen labeled the Haqqani Taliban a “veritable arm” and “proxy” of the ISI.
Why Pakistan Is Getting Cocky|Bruce Riedel|September 23, 2011|DAILY BEAST

It is not as though this is the first administration warning about ISI; or even the first from Admiral Mullen.
The Pakistan Distraction|Stephen L. Carter|September 23, 2011|DAILY BEAST
And Miss Mullen—she's sent for me a sight more times than I've been.
Patty's Perversities|Arlo Bates
A vote was then taken and Alfred stood expelled from the Mullen family forever.
Unfettered|Sutton E. Griggs
Wheeler, Willis and Larry went out in order, the first two on strikes and the latter on a grounder fielded by Mullen.
Baseball Joe, Home Run King|Lester Chadwick
Meanwhile Mrs. Smithers had begun proceedings for obtaining the property willed her by Mr. Mullen.
Patty's Perversities|Arlo Bates
All the jerks on Mullen Street, you had to stick it into plain-clo'es cop.
The Trial of Callista Blake|Edgar Pangborn

British Dictionary definitions for mullen

mullein

mullen

/ (ˈmʌlɪn) /

noun

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

Word Origin for mullein

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for mullen

mullein

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.))