witch hazel

American  

[wich hey-zuhl] / ˈwɪtʃ ˌheɪ zəl /

noun

1. a shrub, Hamamelis virginiana, of eastern North America, having toothed, egg-shaped leaves and small, yellow flowers.

2. a liquid extraction from the leaves or bark of this plant mixed with water and alcohol, used externally as a liniment for inflammations and bruises and as an astringent.

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witch hazel British  

noun

1. any of several trees and shrubs of the genus Hamamelis, esp H. virginiana, of North America, having ornamental yellow flowers and medicinal properties: family Hamamelidaceae

2. an astringent medicinal solution containing an extract of the bark and leaves of H. virginiana, applied to treat bruises, inflammation, etc

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Etymology

Origin of witch hazel

1535–45; witch, variant of wych ( see wych elm)

Compare meaning

How does witch-hazel compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• witch hazel vs. alcohol

Example Sentences

In their place, conservancy staff and volunteers this summer planted dozens of native species significant to Wampanoag culture, such as white oak trees, blueberry bushes, witch hazel, goldenrod and hay-scented ferns.

From Washington Times • Aug. 24, 2022

Aromatic lilies, lavender and bee balm fill the air with sweet scent in summer, while witch hazel, daphne and other flowering shrubs provide fragrance in quieter seasons.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 30, 2022

Whither the Japanese snowbell tree, or the Arnold Promise witch hazel or sedum Autumn Joy?

From Washington Post • Apr. 8, 2019

He is known for giving what he calls a “gentleman cut, no crazy look, high class, clean-cut,” and for using old-fashioned supplies like witch hazel, cotton necklaces to catch loose hair and monogrammed capes.

From New York Times • Dec. 7, 2018

May came in with witch hazel and cotton balls and began to clean up Rosaleen’s stitches.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd