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

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

A classic French anise-flavored spirit, pastis was developed after absinthe was banned in 1915, and differs primarily by omitting the wormwood.

From Salon • Jan. 2, 2022

As Azzuz finished her ceremonial prayer, the wormwood that coaxed the first flames was replaced with modern “drip torches” — canisters of gasoline and diesel with spouts and wicks.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 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