Definition of loosestrife
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
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Recent Examples of loosestrife from the Web
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Native loosestrife has tiny yellow buttercup flowers and bronze leaves.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'loosestrife.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of loosestrife
intended as translation of Greek lysimacheios loosestrife (as if from lysis act of loosing + machesthai to fight) — more at lysis
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See words that rhyme with loosestrife Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about loosestrife
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