echinacea

[ ek-uh-ney-shuh, -see-uh ]

noun

1. any of several coneflowers of the genus Echinacea whose leaves, roots, and other parts are used in herbal medicine to promote wound healing and enhance the immune system.

echinacea

/ ˌɛkɪˈneɪʃɪə /

noun

1. Also calledpurple coneflower either of the two N American plants of the genus Echinacea, having flower heads with purple rays and black centres: family Compositae (composites) See coneflower
2. the powdered root of either of these plants, used to stimulate the immune system

Word History and Origins

Origin of echinacea¹

First recorded in 1825–30; from New Latin Echīnācea, genus name, from Latin echīnus “sea urchin,” from Greek echînos “hedgehog, sea urchin, a kind of plant” + -acea ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of echinacea¹

from New Latin, from Latin echīnātus prickly, from echīnus hedgehog

Example Sentences

The evidence is even more muddled for certain plant-derived dietary supplements known as botanicals, such as echinacea and ginkgo.

From Time

Performers included Carter, Nubia Love-Jackson, Uju Betta and Echinacea.

From Washington Blade

There is no satisfactory evidence that the claims for any of these substances are any more reliable than those for echinacea.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1909 the Council examined into the claims made for echinacea.

From Project Gutenberg

It is unnecessary at this time to review in detail the alleged field of usefulness of Echinacea.

From Project Gutenberg

When boils progress to the stage where they appear about to "point" then stop and do not suppurate, Echinacea is the remedy.

From Project Gutenberg

I knew of several very desperate cases, which I think would have terminated fatally but for the timely use of Echinacea.

From Project Gutenberg