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

Let a hepatica be plucked from its home in a rocky crevice where one marvels how it ever contrived to root itself and find subsistence.

From Little Masterpieces of Science: The Naturalist as Interpreter and Seer by Iles, George

The hepatica is not more beautiful than many another flower, but it takes us when we are hungry for the sight of a blossom.

From A Rambler's lease by Torrey, Bradford

A pupil disputed with his teacher about the hepatica, claiming in opposition that it was sweet-scented.

From A Year in the Fields by Burroughs, John