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

‘If the rowan leaves and the pouch couldn’t hide the river eyes,’ he said, ‘why do you think bark and wormwood can do any better?’

From Literature

Kurt’s cleanse contained black walnut, cloves and wormwood, along with a handful of other herbs.

From Salon

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

It's named for the chief ingredient that makes it unique: artemisia absinthium, which you might know as wormwood.

From Salon

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

From Washington Post