calamint

[ kal-uh-mint ]

noun

1. any of several aromatic plants belonging to the genus Calamintha (or Satureja ) of the mint family, having simple, opposite leaves and drooping clusters of flowers.

calamint

/ ˈkæləˌmɪnt /

noun

1. any aromatic Eurasian plant of the genus Satureja (or Calamintha ), having clusters of purple or pink flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

Word History and Origins

Origin of calamint¹

1225–75; alteration (by association with mint ² ) of Middle English calament < Medieval Latin calamentum, Latin calamintha < Greek kalamínthē

Word History and Origins

Origin of calamint¹

C14: from Old French calament (but influenced by English mint ¹), from Medieval Latin calamentum, from Greek kalaminthē

Example Sentences

The study also suggests that calamints are genetically diverse, so much so that new species designations are likely warranted.

From Science Daily

Some of the most beloved summer annuals and perennials — elephant ear, coleus, lantana, calamint, rudbeckia and echinacea — have a place in the container garden.

From Seattle Times

All six of our featured summer annuals and perennials — elephant ear, coleus, lantana, calamint, rudbeckia and echinacea — have a place in the container garden.

From Washington Post

It's especially rare because it collects pollen on its face, and depends on another threatened species -- a blooming plant known as Ashe’s calamint.

From Fox News

Nepitella, also known as lesser calamint, is an essential herb in Italian cooking but little known in the United States.

From Los Angeles Times