bistort

noun

bis·​tort ˈbis-ˌtȯrt 

bis-ˈtȯrt

: any of several polygonums

especially : a Eurasian perennial herb (Polygonum bistorta) with twisted roots used as astringents

Examples of bistort in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Look for heartleaf arnica and blue columbine in the shadows of the trees while paintbrush, elephant heads, bistort and purple fringe grow in the wet areas of the meadows. —Estes Park Trail-Gazette, The Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2024

Take this latter trail for one of the easiest to reach meadows of alpine flowers in the area, including paintbrush, elephant heads and the cotton-ball-like bistort. —Dawn Wilson, The Denver Post, 23 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French bistorte, from Medieval Latin *bistorta, from Latin bis + torta, feminine of tortus, past participle of torquēre to twist — more at torture entry 1

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above