starwort

American  

[stahr-wurt, -wawrt] / ˈstɑrˌwɜrt, -ˌwɔrt /

noun

1. any of several chickweeds of the genus Stellaria.

2. any of several plants of the genera Aster and Arenaria.

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starwort British  

/ ˈstɑːˌwɜːt /

noun

1. any of several plants with star-shaped flowers, esp the stitchwort

2. any of several aquatic plants of the genus Callitriche , having a star-shaped rosette of floating leaves: family Callitrichaceae

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Etymology

Origin of starwort

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at star, wort ²

Example Sentences

Alpine meadows burst with blossoms and colors including yellow rhododendron, purple mountain heather, pink azaleas, fuchsia fireweeds, and the white stars of the eschscholtz starwort.

From New York Times • Oct. 7, 2019

Instead of casing itself with tiny sticks and pebbles and sojourning at the bottom, as Nature ordained, it had put on a gaudy livery of starwort leaves.

From "Wee Tim'rous Beasties" Studies of Animal life and Character by English, Douglas

Water-cress, water-celery, water-lobelia, starwort, and water-milfoil, are all good.

From Amateur Fish Culture by Walker, Charles Edward

They hide under stones at the bottom of the water and among the weeds, especially among watercress and starwort.

From Old Flies in New Dresses How to Dress Dry Flies with the Wings in the Natural Position and Some New Wet Flies by Walker, Charles Edward

They were in a patch of sunlight, lazily browsing on the starwort, mild as any sheep, with foolish, staring eyes, gaping suckers, and bodies that gleamed as if sprinkled with gold dust.

From "Wee Tim'rous Beasties" Studies of Animal life and Character by English, Douglas