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

After a short delay both vessels set out together; but they soon had to put back, because the Speedwell proved unsafe.

From Project Gutenberg

Low-growing lavender-colored phlox appears in masses, and Cusick's speedwell forms large patches of low-lying blue.

From Project Gutenberg

And they should never have built those two last ships, the Speedwell and the Goodhope; the return on them didn't justify it.

From Project Gutenberg

They managed to charter for this purpose two small vessels, the Speedwell and the Mayflower.

From Project Gutenberg

The Speedwell was found to be unseaworthy and was abandoned.

From Project Gutenberg