speedwell

[ speed-wel ]

noun

1. any of several plants, shrubs, or small trees of the genus Veronica, of the figwort family, having opposite leaves and small flowers.

speedwell

/ ˈspiːdˌwɛl /

noun

1. any of various temperate scrophulariaceous plants of the genus Veronica, such as V. officinalis ( heath speedwell ) and V. chamaedrys ( germander speedwell ), having small blue or pinkish white flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of speedwell¹

1570–80; speed + well ¹; so called because its petals fade and fall early

Word History and Origins

Origin of speedwell¹

C16: from speed + well ¹

Example Sentences

Autumn Joy sedum and speedwell, a purple flower that reminded me of a gnome’s hat, were still going strong.

From Washington Post

A weeding knife or sharp hoe will make quick work of bittercress, henbit, chickweed and speedwell.

From Washington Post

A sharp hoe or weeding knife will make short work of chickweed, henbit, bittercress and speedwell without resorting to herbicides.

From Washington Post

These are all possible vermouth flavourings, along with the aromats Scothern passes round – wormwood, hyssop, chamomile, gentian, speedwell, cloves, cinnamon and liquorice.

From The Guardian

Flowering examples of germander speedwell, daffodil and chicory cast shadows and consort with the odd caterpillar or beetle, surrounded by borders of more schematic leaf motifs that nonetheless have space for some quite real-looking birds.

From New York Times