celandine

noun

cel·​an·​dine ˈse-lən-ˌdīn How to pronounce celandine (audio)
-ˌdēn
1
: a yellow-flowered Eurasian biennial herb (Chelidonium majus) of the poppy family naturalized in the eastern U.S.
2

Examples of celandine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Embellishments include floral designs featuring strings of wildflowers such as forget-me-notes, daisy chains and celandine along with scarlet pimpernel, meant to indicate the royal couple's love of the British countryside and nature. Morgan Hines, USA TODAY, 6 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English celidoine, from Anglo-French, from Latin chelidonia, from feminine of chelidonius of the swallow, from Greek chelidonios, from chelidon-, chelidōn swallow

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of celandine was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near celandine

Cite this Entry

“Celandine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celandine. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

celandine

noun
cel·​an·​dine ˈsel-ən-ˌdīn How to pronounce celandine (audio)
-ˌdēn
1
: a yellow-flowered herb related to the poppies
2
: a buttercup with fleshy roots

called also lesser celandine

Medical Definition

celandine

noun
cel·​an·​dine ˈsel-ən-ˌdīn, -ˌdēn How to pronounce celandine (audio)
: a yellow-flowered biennial Eurasian herb (Chelidonium majus) of the poppy family naturalized in the eastern United States that has been used medicinally especially as a diuretic see chelidonium sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on celandine

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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