echinacea

noun

ech·​i·​na·​cea ˌe-ki-ˈnā-sē-ə  -sh(ē-)ə 

: the dried rhizome, roots, or other parts of any of three purple coneflowers that are used primarily in dietary supplements and herbal remedies for the stimulating effect they are held to have on the immune system

also : any of these herbs

Examples of echinacea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There is scientific evidence that supports some helpful effects from taking echinacea and turmeric, and they have been used throughout history. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 31 Oct. 2024

Some people believe that natural remedies, such as echinacea, vitamin C, probiotics, elderberry, ginseng, and zinc, may help to prevent or treat viral illnesses like colds and flu. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024

Complementing the lavender is an array of medicinal and aromatic herbs that include chamomile, echinacea, sage and wormwood. —Leslie Katz, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Coneflower or echinacea: These big, gorgeous flowers are long lasting and have ancient medicinal uses. —Katie Boué, Outside Online, 5 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin Echinacea, the purple coneflower genus, from Greek echînos "hedgehog, sea urchin" + Latin -ācea, feminine of -āceus -aceous; so named from the prickly appearance of the disk florets — more at echinus

Note: The genus name was introduced by the German botanist Conrad Moench (1744-1805) in Methodus plantas horti botanici et agri Marburgensis : a staminum situ describendi (Marburg: 1794), p. 591, as a revision of Linnaeus' Rudbeckia purpurea.

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

echinacea

noun

ech·​i·​na·​cea ˌek-i-ˈnā-sē-ə, -sh(ē-)ə 

: the dried rhizome, roots, or other part of any of three composite herbs (Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida, and E. purpurea) that were formerly listed in the United States Pharmacopeia, that are now used primarily in dietary supplements and herbal remedies, and that are held to stimulate the immune system

also : any of these herbs see purple coneflower