American mistletoe

noun

1
: a small scaly leafless herb (Arceuthobium pusillum) that is parasitic on spruce and larch and has reddish brown stems, minute flowers, and berrylike fruits
2

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of American mistletoe was in 1841

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near American mistletoe

Cite this Entry

“American mistletoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20mistletoe. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!