madwort

[ mad-wurt, -wawrt ]

noun

1. a mat-forming plant, Aurinia saxatilis (or Alyssum saxatille ), of the mustard family, having spatulate leaves and open clusters of pale yellow flowers.

madwort

/ ˈmædˌwɜːt /

noun

1. a low-growing Eurasian boraginaceous plant, Asperugo procumbens, with small blue flowers
2. any of certain other plants, such as alyssum

Word History and Origins

Origin of madwort¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; mad + wort ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of madwort¹

C16: once alleged to be a cure for madness

Example Sentences

Some non-nutritious invasive plants like cheatgrass and desert madwort have replaced nutritious native plants.

From New York Times

"Hast eaten madwort, woman, or has some beast bitten thee?"

From Project Gutenberg

Angelica, madworts, and several forms of lichens were favourite remedies.

From Project Gutenberg

I haven't eaten madwort, and no beast has bitten me; but the secretary was here, and he said that there was no way for thee to escape from the army.

From Project Gutenberg