mayweed

[ mey-weed ]

noun

1. a composite plant, Anthemis cotula, native to Europe and Asia but naturalized in North America, having pungent, rank-smelling foliage and flower heads with a yellow disk and white rays.

mayweed

/ ˈmeɪˌwiːd /

noun

1. Also calleddog fennelstinking mayweed a widespread Eurasian weedy plant, Anthemis cotula, having evil-smelling leaves and daisy-like flower heads: family Asteraceae (composites)
2. scentless mayweed
   a similar and related plant, Matricaria maritima , with scentless leaves

Word History and Origins

Origin of mayweed¹

1545–55; obsolete mayth mayweed ( Middle English maithe, Old English mægtha ) + weed ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of mayweed¹

C16: changed from Old English mægtha mayweed + weed ¹

Example Sentences

Mayweed is of a pectoral nature, and is good for a pain in the side.

From Project Gutenberg

The leaves of the Scentless Mayweed are like many leaves that grow in running water.

From Project Gutenberg

By this time generally the corn is high above the mayweed, but this year the flower is level with its shelter.

From Project Gutenberg