lovage

lov·age

noun \ˈlə-vij\

Definition of LOVAGE

: any of several aromatic perennial herbs of the carrot family; especially : a European herb (Levisticum officinale) sometimes cultivated for use in medicine especially as a diuretic and in cookery usually as a flavoring agent

Origin of LOVAGE

Middle English lovache, from Anglo-French luvasche, lovasche, from Late Latin levisticum, alteration of Latin ligusticum, from neuter of ligusticus Ligurian, from Ligur-, Ligus, noun, Ligurian

First Known Use: 14th century

lov·age

noun \ˈləv-ij\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of LOVAGE

: any of several aromatic perennial herbs of the carrot family; especially : a European herb (Levisticum officinale) sometimes cultivated for its rhizomes which are used as a carminative in domestic remedies, for its stalks and foliage which are used as a potherb, a substitute for celery, or a tea, for its seeds which are used for flavoring and in confectionery, and for its flowering tops which yield an oil used in flavoring and perfumery

lovage

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Herb (Levisticum officinale) of the parsley family, native to southern Europe. It is cultivated for its stalks and foliage, which are used for tea, as a vegetable, and to flavour foods. Its rhizomes are used as a carminative, and the seeds are used for flavouring desserts. Oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery.