WORMWOOD

wormwood

(noun) any of several low composite herbs of the genera Artemisia or Seriphidium

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

wormwood (countable and uncountable, plural wormwoods)

An intensely bitter herb (Artemisia absinthium and similar plants in genus Artemisia) used in medicine, in the production of absinthe and vermouth, and as a tonic.

Synonyms: grande wormwood, absinthe, mugwort, artemisia

Something that causes bitterness or affliction; a cause of mortification or vexation.

Anagrams

• woodworm

Proper noun

Wormwood

(Christianity) A star or angel that appears in the Book of Revelation, turning waters bitter and poisonous.

A surname.

Anagrams

• woodworm

Source: Wiktionary

Worm"wood, n. Etym: [AS. werm, akin to OHG. wermuota, wormuota, G. wermuth, wermut; of uncertain origin.]

1. (Bot.)

Definition: A composite plant (Artemisia Absinthium), having a bitter and slightly aromatic taste, formerly used as a tonic and a vermifuge, and to protect woolen garments from moths. It gives the peculiar flavor to the cordial called absinthe. The volatile oil is a narcotic poison. The term is often extended to other species of the same genus.

2. Anything very bitter or grievous; bitterness. Lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood. Deut. xxix. 18. Roman wormwood (Bot.), an American weed (Ambrosia artemisiæfolia); hogweed.

– Tree wormwood (Bot.), a species of Artemisia (probably Artemisia variabilis) with woody stems.

– Wormwood hare (Zoöl.), a variety of the common hare (Lepus timidus); -- so named from its color.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition