corydalis

noun

co·​ryd·​a·​lis kə-ˈri-də-ləs How to pronounce corydalis (audio)
: any of a large genus (Corydalis) of chiefly temperate herbs of the fumitory family with racemose irregular flowers and dissected leaves

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek korydallis crested lark (Galerida cristata), from korydos crested lark

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of corydalis was in 1818

Dictionary Entries Near corydalis

Cite this Entry

“Corydalis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corydalis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

corydalis

noun
co·​ryd·​a·​lis kə-ˈrid-ᵊl-əs How to pronounce corydalis (audio)
1
a
capitalized : a large genus of herbs (family Fumariaceae) that are native to southern Africa and temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and have a several-seeded capsular fruit see bulbocapnine, cryptopine
b
: any plant of the genus Corydalis
2
: the dried tubers of squirrel corn and Dutchman's-breeches containing the alkaloid bulbocapnine and formerly used as a tonic

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