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barrenwort

noun
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plural -s

Definition of barrenwort

: any of certain plants of the genus Epimedium having or believed to have sudorific properties: such as
a : a European herb (E. alpinum) often cultivated and having bitter leaves
b : a Japanese herb (E. diphyllum) with small bluish flowers
c : an herb (E. hexandra) of the Pacific coast of North America having ternate leaves and small nodding flowers on a scapelike stalk

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History and Etymology for barrenwort

so called from the belief that it causes sterility

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Dictionary Entries Near barrenwort

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barrenwort

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Cite this Entry

“Barrenwort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrenwort. Accessed 17 May. 2022.

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