soapwort

[ sohp-wurt, -wawrt ]

noun

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

soapwort

/ ˈsəʊpˌwɜːt /

noun

1. 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 Also calledbouncing Bet

Word History and Origins

Origin of soapwort¹

First recorded in 1540–50; soap + wort ²

Example Sentences

Polypetalous corolla of Soapwort, of five petals with long claws or stalk-like bases.

From Project Gutenberg

Unguiculate petals are universal and strongly marked in the Pink tribe, as in Soapwort (Fig. 248).

From Project Gutenberg

Other sapotoxins are obtained from the roots of soapwort and from several species of Gypsophila.

From Project Gutenberg

The Soapwort comes to us from Europe, where in some localities it is a common wild flower.

From Project Gutenberg

The plant commonly called Soapwort or Bouncing Bet also bears other popular names, many of which are purely local.

From Project Gutenberg