mare's tail

noun

plural mare's tails or mares' tails
1
a
: a common aquatic plant (Hippuris vulgaris of the family Plantaginaceae, the plantain family) with elongated shoots having dense whorls of narrow finely tapered leaves
2
: a cirrus cloud that has a long slender flowing appearance

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mare's tail was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mare's tail

Cite this Entry

“Mare's tail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mare%27s%20tail. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on mare's tail

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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