soapwort

American  

[sohp-wurt, -wawrt] / ˈsoʊpˌwɜrt, -ˌwɔrt /

noun

1. a plant, Saponaria officinalis, of the pink family, whose leaves are used for cleansing.

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soapwort British  

/ ˈsəʊpˌwɜːt /

noun

1. Also called: bouncing Bet.  a Eurasian caryophyllaceous plant, Saponaria officinalis, having rounded clusters of fragrant pink or white flowers and leaves that were formerly used as a soap substitute

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Etymology

Origin of soapwort

First recorded in 1540–50; soap + wort ²

Example Sentences

He grabbed a handful of soapwort leaves, mashed them in water, and washed off the last of the wolverine dung.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

The bats were hunting among the flies and moths attracted to the soapwort.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

It came from several thick patches of soapwort growing along the edge of the pasture.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

“Hazel-rah,” said Pipkin, coming up from among the soapwort, “are you all right? Your leg looks queer—you’re dragging it.”

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

Sap′onin, a vegetable principle, the solution of which froths when shaken, obtained from soapwort, &c.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various