horsetail

noun

horse·​tail ˈhȯrs-ˌtāl 

: any of a genus (Equisetum of the order Equisetales) of lower tracheophytes comprising perennial, spore-producing plants that spread by creeping rhizomes and have leaves reduced to nodal sheaths on the hollow jointed ribbed shoots

Illustration of horsetail

• 1 vegetative plant
• 2 fertile plant

Examples of horsetail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Common ingredients Herbal ingredients are most commonly used in bladder control supplements to provide health support for overactive bladders, including buchu, cornsilk and horsetail. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

Apple cider vinegar can also interact with certain dietary supplements, such as licorice, cassia cinnamon, and horsetail. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2025

Key Ingredients: Marine collagen (derived from shark), iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin C, niacin, calcium, silica, horsetail extract Type: Tablet Size: 60 tablets How to use: One tablet twice daily (after a meal) for three to six months. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025

The Diplodocus appeared to be less fussy, consuming soft ferns and horsetail plants as well as tougher parts of the plant. —Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 28 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for horsetail

• abigail
• cottontail
• countervail
• fingernail
• martingale
• mesoscale
• microscale
• monorail
• nanoscale
• ponytail
• swallowtail
• wensleydale

Kids Definition

horsetail

noun

horse·​tail ˈhȯr-ˌstāl 

: any of a genus of primitive plants that reproduce by spores instead of by flowers and seeds and have hollow stems and very small leaves resembling scales

called also equisetum, scouring rush