avens

noun

av·​ens ˈa-vənz How to pronounce avens (audio)
plural avens
: any of a genus (Geum) of perennial herbs of the rose family with white, purple, red, or yellow flowers

Word History

Etymology

Middle English avence, avance, borrowed from Anglo-French avance, avence "wood avens (Geum urbanum), hare's foot (Trifolium arvense), hazelwort (Asarum europaeum)" (also continental Middle French), borrowed from Medieval Latin avantia, of obscure origin

Note: Alternatively the Medieval Latin form may be a latinization of the French word.

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of avens was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near avens

Cite this Entry

“Avens.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avens. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

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