milkwort

[ milk-wurt, -wawrt ]

noun

1. any plant or shrub of the genus Polygala, formerly supposed to increase the secretion of milk.
2. sea milkwort.

milkwort

/ ˈmɪlkˌwɜːt /

noun

1. See senega
   any of several plants of the genus Polygala, having small blue, pink, or white flowers with two petal-like sepals: family Polygalaceae. They were formerly believed to increase milk production in cows See also senega

Word History and Origins

Origin of milkwort¹

First recorded in 1570–80; milk + wort ²

Example Sentences

The Milkwort has flowers which are not always the same colour.

From Project Gutenberg

You may find them either pink, or blue, or white, but I think the blue Milkwort is the commonest.

From Project Gutenberg

The garden was full of weeds and flowers, with daisies on the lawn, and dandelions and milkwort among the beds.

From Project Gutenberg

In late spring the little flowers of the milkwort are common upon dry hill-slopes in the shade of the trees.

From Project Gutenberg

It is to be found in August and September on the common milkwort (Polygala vulgaris).

From Project Gutenberg