equisetum

noun

eq·​ui·​se·​tum ˌe-kwə-ˈsē-təm How to pronounce equisetum (audio)
plural equisetums or equiseta ˌe-kwə-ˈsē-tə How to pronounce equisetum (audio)

Examples of equisetum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Clover has risen to the top of the list, replacing equisetum, which always disappears and people forget about it. Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 5 Aug. 2021 The only downside was that my property has a great deal of equisetum (horsetail), which enjoyed spreading its roots into the spaces left by the wavy layer in the middle. oregonlive, 5 Jan. 2020 These tools are great for cutting down equisetum, grasses and weeds along buildings, swings, fences, under shrubs and around trees. Jeff Lowenfels, Alaska Dispatch News, 23 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin equisaetum horsetail plant, from equus horse + saeta bristle

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of equisetum was in 1761

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Equisetum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equisetum. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

equisetum

noun
eq·​ui·​se·​tum ˌek-wə-ˈsēt-əm How to pronounce equisetum (audio)
plural equisetums or equiseta -ˈsēt-ə How to pronounce equisetum (audio)
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