bitterweed

noun

bit·​ter·​weed ˈbi-tər-ˌwēd How to pronounce bitterweed (audio)
: any of several American plants containing a bitter substance: such as
a
: either of two ragweeds:
(1)
: a low-growing common ragweed (Ambrosia artemissiifolia)
(2)
b
: an annual yellow-flowered sneezeweed (Helenium amarum synonym H. tenuifolium)
c
: an erect annual composite herb (Hymenoxys odorata) of the southwestern U.S. that has yellow flowers and is poisonous to livestock

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bitterweed was in 1819

Dictionary Entries Near bitterweed

Cite this Entry

“Bitterweed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bitterweed. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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