spearmint

[ speer-mint ]

noun

1. an aromatic herb, Mentha spicata, having lance-shaped leaves used for flavoring.

spearmint

/ ˈspɪəmɪnt /

noun

1. a purple-flowered mint plant, Mentha spicata, of S and central Europe, cultivated for its leaves, which yield an oil used for flavouring

Word History and Origins

Origin of spearmint¹

First recorded in 1530–40; spear ¹ + mint ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of spearmint¹

C16: so called because of its long narrow leaves

Example Sentences

Menthol is a naturally occurring cyclic monoterpene alcohol found in various plants, particularly in members of the mint family such as peppermint and spearmint.

From Science Daily

In the next few days he discovered additional sources of nourishment: groundnuts, mulberries, wild mustard, wild onions, new kinds of mushrooms, spearmint, peppermint, and milkweed.

From Literature

It actually turns out that beta-ionone is in a bunch of things—such as tobacco, grapes, orange juice, papaya, peaches, raspberries, spearmint and tea.

From Scientific American

Attached to a vertical glass slab, these globs — spearmint green, bubble gum pink, cherry red, Winterfresh blue — form an abstract collage that may look familiar to some.

From Seattle Times

Rumpf, a horticultural therapist, points out fragrant spearmint, chives, chamomile and thyme, then pops an orange nasturtium flower in her mouth.

From Seattle Times