: any of several plants (such as a mullein) formerly used in the treatment of respiratory disorders
especially : a European herb (Pulmonaria officinalis) of the borage family with hispid leaves and usually bluish flowers

Examples of lungwort 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.
The lungwort variety produces blue or purple flowers and stunning foliage with an itchy surface that repels deer. Robert Knox, BostonGlobe.com, 25 May 2023 Palmer mentioned a lungwort (Pulmonaria) known as Lisa Marie with mammoth 18-inch-long speckled leaves in broad clumps topped by an abundance of flowers. Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lungwort was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near lungwort

Cite this Entry

“Lungwort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lungwort. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

1
: any of several plants formerly used in the treatment of respiratory disorders
especially : a European herb (Pulmonaria officinalis) of the borage family (Boraginaceae) with rough hairy leaves and bluish flowers
2
: a widely distributed lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria) formerly used in the treatment of bronchitis and now to some extent in perfumes and in tanning extracts

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