Illustration of comfrey
- comfrey 1
comfrey
noun
com·frey
ˈkəm(p)-frē 
plural comfreys
1
: any of a genus (Symphytum) of perennial herbs of the borage family with coarse hairy entire leaves and flowers in one-sided racemes
2
: an herbal preparation of the leaves or roots of comfrey that is toxic if taken internally
Examples of comfrey in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But late summer is a time when many herbaceous plants in the garden are chopped and dropped, including the comfrey, for the last time this year.
—
Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 15 Aug. 2023
The Spa Those that prefer not to be in the water all day will enjoy the Bamford Wellness Spa, which in this location incorporates native Hawaiian medicinal plants such as comfrey and noni into some of its treatment rituals, facials, and massages.
—Melinda Fulmer, Robb Report, 30 June 2023
Specifically formulated for dog's paws, this balm is made with natural and organic ingredients like calendula and comfrey to soothe and protect your dog's paw pads.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2023
Vanilla fruit, ginger lily, and mandarin extracts work to reduce inflammation and brighten up your complexion, while allantoin — an extract from the comfrey plant — helps treat and prevent dry skin for a soft, supple complexion.
—Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2023
There’s comfrey and marigold oil to make the skin heal faster.
—Amy MacKelden, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Sep. 2022
This is a variegated comfrey with outstanding yellow and green foliage.
—Janet Carson, Arkansas Online, 18 June 2022
Today, medical professionals and government agencies warn against consuming comfrey because of potential liver damage.
—The Salt Lake Tribune, 13 Dec. 2021
The sap from comfrey stems applied to a bite eases the pain and keeps the spot from atrophying.
—Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 2 June 2020
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Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 15 Aug. 2023
The Spa Those that prefer not to be in the water all day will enjoy the Bamford Wellness Spa, which in this location incorporates native Hawaiian medicinal plants such as comfrey and noni into some of its treatment rituals, facials, and massages.
—Melinda Fulmer, Robb Report, 30 June 2023
Specifically formulated for dog's paws, this balm is made with natural and organic ingredients like calendula and comfrey to soothe and protect your dog's paw pads.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2023
Vanilla fruit, ginger lily, and mandarin extracts work to reduce inflammation and brighten up your complexion, while allantoin — an extract from the comfrey plant — helps treat and prevent dry skin for a soft, supple complexion.
—Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2023
There’s comfrey and marigold oil to make the skin heal faster.
—Amy MacKelden, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Sep. 2022
This is a variegated comfrey with outstanding yellow and green foliage.
—Janet Carson, Arkansas Online, 18 June 2022
Today, medical professionals and government agencies warn against consuming comfrey because of potential liver damage.
—The Salt Lake Tribune, 13 Dec. 2021
The sap from comfrey stems applied to a bite eases the pain and keeps the spot from atrophying.
—Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 2 June 2020
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'comfrey.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English cumfirie, from Anglo-French cunfirie, from Latin conferva a water plant, from confervēre to grow together (of bones), from com- + fervēre to boil — more at barm
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of comfrey was
in the 13th century
Dictionary Entries Near comfrey
Cite this Entry
“Comfrey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comfrey. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on comfrey
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about comfrey
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