swallowwort

noun

1
2
: any of several plants of the family Asclepiadaceae: such as
a
: soma
b(1)
: black swallowwort
c
: butterflyweed

Word History

Etymology

swallow entry 1 + wort; partly translation of Dutch zwaluwenkruid; partly translation of German schwalbenwurtz; from the form of the pods suggesting a swallow with outspread wings

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Cite this Entry

“Swallowwort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swallowwort. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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