comfrey

noun com·frey \ ˈkəm(p)-frē \

|Updated on: 8 Jul 2018

Definition of comfrey

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

Recent Examples of comfrey from the Web

Broadleaf Plantain Comfrey Another multi-purpose, easy-to-grow herb used for everything from arthritis to menstrual pain, comfrey is most commonly used topically nowadays.

— Sunset, "Top 10 Medicinal Plants You Can Grow at Home," 22 Jan. 2018
Moisture Bomb, on the other hand, is better for dry skin and is said to provide a whopping 26 hours of moisture, thanks to comfrey leaf, a powerful hydrating agent.

— macaela mackenzie, Allure, "Belif's True Cream Aqua Bomb Now Comes in Jumbo Size," 11 Jan. 2018
My chronically aching back might require a comfrey balm or a salt soak, depending on the level of discomfort.

— jenna wortham, The Cut, "Herbalism Started As a Hobby But Became Much More," 9 Jan. 2018
Wild senna adds nitrogen to the soil and attracts beneficial insects, comfrey brings up nutrients from deep soil and is medicinal for burns, and anise hyssop can be used for tea.

— Popular Mechanics, "How to Build a Garden That Grows Forever," 3 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'comfrey.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of comfrey

Origin and Etymology of comfrey

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year