wormwood

American  

[wurm-wood] / ˈwɜrmˌwʊd /

noun

1. any composite herb or low shrub of the genus Artemisia.

2. a bitter, aromatic plant, A. absinthium, of the Old World, used as a vermifuge and a tonic, and as an ingredient in absinthe.

3. something bitter, grievous, or extremely unpleasant.

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wormwood British  

/ ˈwɜːmˌwʊd /

noun

1. Also called: absinthe.  any of various plants of the chiefly N temperate genus Artemisia, esp A. absinthium, a European plant yielding a bitter extract used in making absinthe: family Asteraceae (composites)

2. something that embitters, such as a painful experience

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Etymology

Origin of wormwood

1350–1400; late Middle English wormwode ( worm, wood ¹ ); replacing Middle English wermode, Old English wermōd; cognate with German Wermut; vermouth

Compare meaning

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

• mugwort vs. wormwood

Example Sentences

Basil, mint, thyme, geraniums, marigolds, wormwood and citronella all add a little flair to your garden while also repelling pests such as wasps.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2023

After adding dry vermouth and wormwood bitters, Muir shakes and strains the drink and garnishes it with a fir sprig.

From Washington Post • Jan. 6, 2023

The bitter flavor of wormwood is joined by intense orange peel, a green and floral oregano blossom, floating over a deep, raisiny sweetness.

From Salon • Nov. 4, 2021

The field wormwood plants grow on one of the tiniest reserves in England in Brandon, Suffolk.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2021

‘I added more wormwood, and checked with Saeunn. The masking charm should work. The bear won’t sense the Nanuak.’

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver