Saint-John's-wort

Saint–John's–wort

noun \-ˌwərt, -ˌwȯrt\

Definition of SAINT-JOHN'S-WORT

1

: any of a large genus (Hypericum of the family Guttiferae, the Saint-John's-wort family) of cosmopolitan herbs and shrubs with showy pentamerous yellow flowers

2

: the dried aerial parts of a Saint-John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum) that are held to relieve depression and are used in herbal remedies and dietary supplements

Illustration of SAINT-JOHN'S-WORT

Origin of SAINT-JOHN'S-WORT

St. John the Baptist

First Known Use: 15th century