fumitory

[ fyoo-mi-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

noun

, plural fu·mi·to·ries.

1. any plant of the genus Fumaria, especially a delicate herb, F. officinalis, having finely dissected, grayish leaves and spikes of purplish flowers.

fumitory

/ ˈfjuːmɪtərɪ; -trɪ /

noun

1. any plant of the chiefly European genus Fumaria , esp F. officinalis , having spurred flowers and formerly used medicinally: family Fumariaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of fumitory¹

1350–1400; alteration of earlier fumiterre, Middle English fumetere < Middle French < Medieval Latin fūmus terrae literally, smoke of the earth; literal sense uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of fumitory¹

C14: from Old French fumetere , from Medieval Latin fūmus terrae , literally: smoke of the earth; see fume

Example Sentences

The fumitory is a perpetual bloomer from July till killed by the autumn frosts.

From Project Gutenberg

Infusum fumari, L. From the herbaceous portion of common fumitory (Fumaria officinalis).

From Project Gutenberg

Fumaric acid is found in fumitory (Fumaria officinalis), in various fungi (Agaricus piperatus, &c.), and in Iceland moss.

From Project Gutenberg

Some fumitory appeared this summer in a field of barley; till then I had not observed any for some time in that district.

From Project Gutenberg

Fumitory, too, was grown by the housewives, and was used as a tonic and a remedy for jaundice.

From Project Gutenberg