mullein

or mul·len

[muhl-uh n]

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.

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 of 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
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
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
Mullen labeled the Haqqani Taliban a “veritable arm” and “proxy” of the ISI.
Why Pakistan Is Getting Cocky
Bruce Riedel
September 23, 2011
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

Historical Examples of mullen

Its delivery was, from the viewpoint of Messrs. Young and Mullen, a success.
The Portygee
Joseph Crosby Lincoln
Curry sent a twister over second that Mullen could not get under.
Baseball Joe, Home Run King
Lester Chadwick
You've heard how madly fond of her old Mullen became in his last days?
Patty's Perversities
Arlo Bates
Mullen put into her hands papers which related to my father's affairs, and I want them.
Patty's Perversities
Arlo Bates
And Miss Mullen—she's sent for me a sight more times than I've been.
Patty's Perversities
Arlo Bates

British Dictionary definitions for mullen

mullein

mullen

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.))