: any of a genus (Polygonatum) of perennial herbs of the asparagus family with tubular flowers and gnarled rhizomes
2
: an emblem consisting of two interlaced triangles forming a 6-pointed star and formerly used as an amulet especially against fever compare hexagram
Illustration of Solomon's seal
Solomon's seal 2
Examples of Solomon's seal in a Sentence
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That blend includes lotus, white lily, and Solomon's seal (a type of flowering plant), which cosmetic chemist Ginger King says help with moisturization, soothing, and brightening, respectively.—Dianna Mazzone, Allure, 19 Feb. 2021
Word History
Etymology
translation of Medieval Latin sigillum Salomonis, name for Polygonatum multiflorum
Note:
The earliest occurrence of the phrase as a plant name in British Medieval Latin is in the Laud herbal glossary (mid-twelfth century): "cassala, i. sigillum sancte Marie, vel sigillum Salomonis, sive stelle Domini" ("cassala, that is, Holy Mary's seal, or Solomon's seal, or the Lord's stars"). Later texts also refer to Polygonatum as either "sanctae Mariae sigillum" or "sigillum Salomonis/Solomonis." Modern explanations proffered for the name—that a transverse section of the rootstock or scars on the stem resemble the impression of a seal, or that the juice of the plant would "seal" wounds—appear to be after the fact.
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