loosestrife

noun

loose·​strife ˈlü(s)-ˌstrīf 

1

: any of a genus (Lysimachia) of plants of the primrose family with leafy stems and usually yellow or white flowers

2

: any of a genus (Lythrum, family Lythraceae, the loosestrife family) of herbs having entire leaves and including some with showy spikes of purple flowers

especially : purple loosestrife

Examples of loosestrife in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Purple loosestrife is quickly recognizable, thanks to its upright purple flower spikes that bloom from midsummer through fall. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

intended as translation of Greek lysimacheios loosestrife (as if from lysis act of loosing + machesthai to fight) — more at lysis

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing loosestrife

• purple loosestrife

• purple loosestrife

Kids Definition

loosestrife

noun

loose·​strife ˈlü(s)-ˌstrīf 

1

: any of a genus of herbs that are related to the primroses and have leafy stems and yellow or white flowers

2

: any of a genus of herbs including some with showy spikes of purple flowers