hepatica

American  

[hi-pat-i-kuh] / hɪˈpæt ɪ kə /

noun

1. any plant belonging to the genus Hepatica, of the buttercup family, having heart-shaped leaves and delicate purplish, pink, or white flowers.

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hepatica British  

/ hɪˈpætɪkə /

noun

1. any ranunculaceous woodland plant of the N temperate genus Hepatica, having three-lobed leaves and white, mauve, or pink flowers

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Etymology

Origin of hepatica

1540–50; < Medieval Latin: liverwort, noun use of feminine of Latin hēpaticus hepatic

Example Sentences

The pale blue hepatica, with leaves shaped like the lobes of the liver, was good for any liver disorder.

From Time Magazine Archive

Folks thought, Mr. Chris said, that hepatica leaves were good for liver medicine because the leaves were the shape of livers.

From "Miracles on Maple Hill" by Virginia Sorensen

"No, but they're all packed and ready," said the lilac hepatica.

From A Round Dozen by Coolidge, Susan

They are the bloodroot, the hepatica, and the fern.

From Text Books of Art Education, Book IV (of 7) by Froehlich, Hugo B.

Early in February, when the cheerless frosts of winter seem most wearisome, the common blue violet, wood anemone, hepatica, or rock-columbine, if planted in this way, will begin to bloom.

From Household Papers and Stories by Stowe, Harriet Beecher