Illustration of horsetail
- 1 vegetative plant
- 2 fertile plant
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
Examples of horsetail in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Studies of ginkgoes, horsetails, and other common Mesozoic plants indicate that the ancient vegetation was more calorie-rich than previously supposed, so the abundance of green food likely fueled the reptilian giants’ unprecedented growth.
—
Riley Black, Popular Science, 9 Nov. 2023
Pangea’s flora may not have been to alien to us in some ways, as it was dominated by species such as conifers, ferns and horsetails, Olsen continues.
—Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2023
Above grew conifer trees, ferns, ancient herbs and horsetail plants.
—Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 16 Aug. 2023
The powder also includes horsetail (said to promote collagen), nettle (a natural astringent), and calendula (a soothing antibacterial).
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2023
Clinical studies have shown that biotin, in conjunction with organic horsetail extract and other B vitamins, can greatly improve the appearance of nails, skin, and hair.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2022
These super aggressive weeds include blackberry, Scotch broom, bindweed (also known as invasive morning glory), horsetail, English ivy, poison oak and old man’s beard (also known as traveler’s joy; an invasive species of clematis).
—oregonlive, 11 Aug. 2020
Bethenny Frankel Has Spent 'Thousands' on Concealers, and This $10 Drugstore Find Is Her 'Winner' This Australian brand uses peppermint, rosemary, saw palmetto, and horsetail oils for removing buildup, improving elasticity and enhancing growth.
—Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2023
Choose something like the Bosley Professional Strength Healthy Hair Vitality Supplements, which are high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 and horsetail and pumpkin seed extract, or Viviscal, which contains a proprietary collagen complex to support healthy hair growth.
—Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Nov. 2022
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Riley Black, Popular Science, 9 Nov. 2023
Pangea’s flora may not have been to alien to us in some ways, as it was dominated by species such as conifers, ferns and horsetails, Olsen continues.
—Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2023
Above grew conifer trees, ferns, ancient herbs and horsetail plants.
—Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 16 Aug. 2023
The powder also includes horsetail (said to promote collagen), nettle (a natural astringent), and calendula (a soothing antibacterial).
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2023
Clinical studies have shown that biotin, in conjunction with organic horsetail extract and other B vitamins, can greatly improve the appearance of nails, skin, and hair.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2022
These super aggressive weeds include blackberry, Scotch broom, bindweed (also known as invasive morning glory), horsetail, English ivy, poison oak and old man’s beard (also known as traveler’s joy; an invasive species of clematis).
—oregonlive, 11 Aug. 2020
Bethenny Frankel Has Spent 'Thousands' on Concealers, and This $10 Drugstore Find Is Her 'Winner' This Australian brand uses peppermint, rosemary, saw palmetto, and horsetail oils for removing buildup, improving elasticity and enhancing growth.
—Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2023
Choose something like the Bosley Professional Strength Healthy Hair Vitality Supplements, which are high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 and horsetail and pumpkin seed extract, or Viviscal, which contains a proprietary collagen complex to support healthy hair growth.
—Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Nov. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'horsetail.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of horsetail was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near horsetail
Cite this Entry
“Horsetail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horsetail. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on horsetail
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about horsetail
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