Definition of chamomile
1 : a perennial composite (see 1composite 1b) herb (Chamaemelum nobile synonym Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and North Africa with aromatic (see 1aromatic 1) foliage and flower heads
2 : any of several composite plants (genera Matricaria and Anthemis) related to chamomile; especially : an annual Eurasian herb (M. recutita synonym M. chamomilla) naturalized (see naturalize 4) in North America
3 : the dried flower heads of chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties
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Origin and Etymology of chamomile
Middle English camemille, from Medieval Latin camomilla, modification of Latin chamaemelon, from Greek chamaimēlon, from chamai + mēlon apple
First Known Use: 13th century
CHAMOMILE Defined for English Language Learners
chamomile
playDefinition of chamomile for English Language Learners
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: a plant that has a strong smell and small white and yellow flowers that are often used in making tea and medicine
Medical Dictionary
chamomile
Medical Definition of chamomile
1a: a composite herb (Chamaemelum nobile synonym Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and Africa having aromatic flower headsb: any of several related composite plants (genera Anthemis and Matricaria); especially : a Eurasian herb of the genus Matricaria (M. recutita synonym M. chamomilla) naturalized in North America
2: the dried flower heads of a chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties
Illustration of chamomile
Learn More about chamomile
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See words that rhyme with chamomile Nglish: Translation of chamomile for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chamomile
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