saponaria

/ ˌsæpəˈnɛərɪə /

noun

1. See soapwort

Word History and Origins

Origin of saponaria¹

New Latin, from Late Latin saponarius soapy

Example Sentences

Saponaria officinalis is native to Eurasia, but it has done very well for itself in North America.

From New York Times

The scientific name Saponaria derives from the Latin for soap; indeed, soapwort can be boiled to make a mild detergent, and has historically been used as a rinse, a treatment for raw wool, and even as a very mild textile cleanser in the museum industry.

From New York Times

But perhaps Saponaria’s most interesting use is as a mild shampoo, and though it is not nearly as fragrant as the flowers, simply boiling the plant’s leaves and flowers is enough to make a soapy, pleasant rinse.

From New York Times

Though the flowers are somewhat fragrant throughout the day, Saponaria pulls out the stops at dusk.

From New York Times

The Lebanese meringuelike dessert natef is made with saponaria officinalis, a saponin-rich root that is used for carpet cleaning as well as cooking.

From Seattle Times