horsetail

noun

horse·​tail ˈhȯrs-ˌtāl 

: any of a genus (Equisetum of the order Equisetales) of lower tracheophytes comprising perennial, spore-producing plants that spread by creeping rhizomes and have leaves reduced to nodal sheaths on the hollow jointed ribbed shoots

Illustration of horsetail

• 1 vegetative plant
• 2 fertile plant

Examples of horsetail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Diplodocus appeared to be less fussy, consuming soft ferns and horsetail plants as well as tougher parts of the plant. —Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 28 July 2025

Apple cider vinegar can also interact with certain dietary supplements, such as licorice, cassia cinnamon, and horsetail. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025

Made from natural ingredients like rosemary oil, peppermint oil, yucca leaf extra and horsetail leaf extract, the cleanser soothes the scalp and reduces inflammation. —Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Taking horsetail and apple cider vinegar may increase your risk for hypokalemia. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for horsetail

• abigail
• cottontail
• countervail
• fingernail
• martingale
• mesoscale
• microscale
• monorail
• nanoscale
• ponytail
• swallowtail
• wensleydale

Kids Definition

horsetail

noun

horse·​tail ˈhȯr-ˌstāl 

: any of a genus of primitive plants that reproduce by spores instead of by flowers and seeds and have hollow stems and very small leaves resembling scales

called also equisetum, scouring rush