bistort

[ bis-tawrt ]

noun

1. Also called snakeweed. a European plant, Polygonum bistorta, of the buckwheat family, having a twisted root, which is sometimes used as an astringent.
2. any of several related plants, as P. viviparum alpine bistort.

bistort

/ ˈbɪstɔːt /

noun

1. Also calledsnakerootsnakeweedEaster-ledges a Eurasian polygonaceous plant, Polygonum bistorta , having leaf stipules fused to form a tube around the stem and a spike of small pink flowers
2. Also calledsnakeroot a related plant, Polygonum bistortoides , of W North America, with oval clusters of pink or white flowers
3. any of several other plants of the genus Polygonum

Word History and Origins

Origin of bistort¹

First recorded in 1570–80, bistort is from the Medieval Latin word bistorta twice twisted. See bis ¹, tort

Word History and Origins

Origin of bistort¹

C16: from French bistorte , from Latin bis twice + tortus from torquēre to twist

Example Sentences

During July and August, you’ll likely see meadows with wildflowers like pink mountain heath, bistort and scarlet paintbrush.

From Seattle Times

Polygonum, po-lig′o-num, n. a kind of plant with many joints, as the bistort, knotweed, &c.—n.pl.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides the general Remedies, which are letting Blood a little, and reiterated Purgations, with an exact Regulation of Diet, there are also particular Medicaments which dry up and insensibly consume the Excrescence; as a Decoction of Bistort, Plantain, and Pomegranate-Rinds in Claret-Wine, which is to be snuff'd up the Nose many times in a Day, and serves to soak the small Tents that are put up therein, as also often to cool the Part, adding a little Allum and Honey.

From Project Gutenberg

The pool and plantation lie to the east of the grounds, and the plantation below is worth mention from the number of rare plants found therein, amongst them the Bistort, Lungwort, Green Hellebore, and Saracen’s Woundwort.

From Project Gutenberg

Another Polygonum, the great Bistort, or Snakeweed, and Adderswort, is a common wild plant in the northern parts of Great Britain, having bent or crooked roots, which are difficult to be extirpated, and are strongly astringent.

From Project Gutenberg