soapwort

[sohp-wurt, -wawrt]

noun

1. a plant, Saponaria officinalis, of the pink family, whose leaves are used for cleansing.

soapwort

/ ˈsəʊpˌwɜːt /

noun

1. Also called: bouncing Bet. a Eurasian caryophyllaceous plant, Saponaria officinalis, having rounded clusters of fragrant pink or white flowers and leaves that were formerly used as a soap substitute

Word History and Origins

Origin of soapwort¹

First recorded in 1540–50; soap + wort ²

Example Sentences

For some unknown reason, almost all are better known than soapwort.

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It came from several thick patches of soapwort growing along the edge of the pasture.

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Injection of a toxin made from soapwort seeds that targeted these spinal-cord neurons blocked itch responses, but not other sensory responses, suggesting that information about the itch sensation is transmitted along a distinct pathway.

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Sap′onin, a vegetable principle, the solution of which froths when shaken, obtained from soapwort, &c.

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Pretty pink-flowered rock soapwort doesn't occur north of Germany, according to official ranges published by botanists.

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