squill

[ skwil ]

noun

1. the bulb of the sea onion, Urginea maritima, of the lily family, cut into thin slices and dried, and used in medicine chiefly as an expectorant.
2. the plant itself.
3. any related plant of the genus Scilla.

squill

/ skwɪl /

noun

1. See sea squill
2. the bulb of the sea squill, formerly used medicinally as an expectorant after being sliced and dried
3. any Old World liliaceous plant of the genus Scilla , such as S. verna ( spring squill ) of Europe, having small blue or purple flowers

Other Words From

• squill-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squill¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin squilla, variant of scilla < Greek skílla

Word History and Origins

Origin of squill¹

C14: from Latin squilla sea onion, from Greek skilla , of obscure origin

Example Sentences

His complaints increasing, the squill was pushed as far as could be borne, but without any good effect.

From Project Gutenberg

After trying squill medicines without effect, he was ordered to take Pulv.

From Project Gutenberg

After trying squill and other medicines to no purpose, I directed a decoction of the Fol.

From Project Gutenberg

After a trial of squill, fixed alkaly, and dulcified spirit of nitre, I directed Pulv.

From Project Gutenberg

I therefore once more directed squill, with decoction of seneka and sal sodæ; but it was inefficacious.

From Project Gutenberg