hyssop

[ his-uhp ]

noun

1. any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Hyssopus, of the mint family, especially H. officinalis, native to Europe, having clusters of small blue flowers.
2. any of several related or similar plants, especially of the genera Agastache or Gratiola.
3. Bible. a plant, perhaps the origan, whose twigs were used in ceremonial sprinkling.

hyssop

/ ˈhɪsəp /

noun

1. a widely cultivated Asian plant, Hyssopus officinalis, with spikes of small blue flowers and aromatic leaves, used as a condiment and in perfumery and folk medicine: family Lamiaceae (labiates)
2. any of several similar or related plants such as the hedge hyssop
3. a Biblical plant, used for sprinkling in the ritual practices of the Hebrews

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyssop¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English ysope, from Late Latin ysōpus, for Latin hyssōpus, from Greek hýssōpos, from Semitic (compare Hebrew ēzōbh ); conformed to Latin or Greek from the mid-16th century

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyssop¹

Old English ysope, from Latin hyssōpus, from Greek hussōpos, of Semitic origin; compare Hebrew ēzōv

Example Sentences

I was first introduced to anise hyssop while working for a neurologist chef from Spain.

From Salon

Wiseman, 47, offered a package containing a small bottle of hyssop, cedarwood and olive oil along with a prayer card and piece of scarlet yarn.

From BBC

Indeed, in his own evidence at court, the preacher claimed his mixture, made from cedar wood, hyssop oil and olive oil, had cured at least 10 people who had the virus.

From BBC

I’d find them still clinging to a beloved purple hyssop, the weight of a bee significant enough to bend a delicate stem.

From Washington Post

In addition to welcoming the worms, student-grown seedlings of pollinator and insect-friendly plants, like calendula, anise hyssop and phacelia, will be planted on Earth Day.

From Seattle Times