comfrey

com·frey

noun \ˈkəm(p)-frē\

plural comfreys

Definition of COMFREY

1

: any of a genus (Symphytum) of perennial herbs of the borage family with coarse hairy entire leaves and flowers in one-sided racemes

2

: an herbal preparation of the leaves or roots of comfrey that is toxic if taken internally

Illustration of COMFREY

Origin of COMFREY

Middle English cumfirie, from Anglo-French cunfirie, from Latin conferva a water plant, from confervēre to grow together (of bones), from com- + fervēre to boil — more at barm

First Known Use: 13th century