comfrey

noun

com·​frey ˈkəm(p)-frē How to pronounce comfrey (audio)
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

Illustration of comfrey

Illustration of comfrey
  • comfrey 1

Examples of comfrey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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

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 14 Nov. 2024.

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