arnica

[ ahr-ni-kuh ]

noun

1. any composite plant of the genus Arnica, having opposite leaves and yellow flower heads.
2. a tincture of the flowers of A. montana, of Europe, and other species of Arnica, formerly used as an external application in sprains and bruises.

arnica

/ ˈɑːnɪkə /

noun

1. any N temperate or arctic plant of the genus Arnica, typically having yellow flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)
2. the tincture of the dried flower heads of any of these plants, esp A. montana, used in treating bruises

Word History and Origins

Origin of arnica¹

1745–55; < New Latin < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of arnica¹

C18: from New Latin, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

He found that several species — yarrow, tall bluebells, and arnica — tended to thrive in them.

From Salon

I have begun using Steuart’s Pain Formula with arnica and comfrey.

From Seattle Times

A quick jog down the slope through a field of arnica blossoms and pink Daphne, past a group of horses grazing in the wind-washed fields below, brought me to my next hut.

From Washington Post

The second night, I applied a liberal dose of white liniment—Uncle Holt’s own concoction of hartshorn, arnica, witch hazel, camphor gum, eggs, and cider vinegar.

From Literature

Once cleared of tree cover, the valley floor came to life with fireweed, arnica, paintbrush and multiple other varieties of wildflowers.

From Washington Times