sweet flag

American  

noun

1. a plant, Acorus calamus, of the arum family, having long, sword-shaped leaves and a pungent, aromatic rootstock.

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sweet flag British  

noun

1. Also called: calamus.  an aroid marsh plant, Acorus calamus, having swordlike leaves, small greenish flowers, and aromatic roots

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Etymology

Origin of sweet flag

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Many species — such as black mondo grass or Japanese sweet flag grass — can survive in cold weather, but they typically can’t withstand the weight of snow, according to Prinzing.

From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2022

The lake was layered with sweet flag, sedge, lilies, horehound, bulrush and buckbean.

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2016

Let her learn the difference between huckleberries and blackberries, learn where checkerberries grow thickest and dig up sweet flag root with her own hands as country children do.

From Dr. Hardhack's Prescription A Play for Children in Four Acts by Rice, Katharine McDowell

But he fears sharp swords, so the long swordshaped blades of the sweet flag are gathered from the edges of rivers and the sides of swampy rice-fields, and used as decorations.

From Peeps at Many Lands: Japan by Finnemore, John

Among the other substances generally employed in its manufacture are angelica root, sweet flag, dittany leaves, star-anise fruit, fennel and hyssop.

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg