Definition of mistletoe
: a European semiparasitic green shrub (Viscum album of the family Loranthaceae, the mistletoe family) with thick leaves, small yellowish flowers, and waxy-white glutinous berries; broadly : any of various plants of the mistletoe family (as of an American genus Phoradendron) resembling the true mistletoe
Read the Latest from M-W
Illustration of mistletoe
Origin and Etymology of mistletoe
Middle English mistilto, from Old English misteltān, from mistel mistletoe + tān twig; akin to Old High German & Old Saxon mistil mistletoe and to Old High German zein twig
First Known Use: before 12th century
MISTLETOE Defined for English Language Learners
mistletoe
playDefinition of mistletoe for English Language Learners
-
: a plant with yellowish flowers and white berries that is traditionally used as a Christmas decoration
MISTLETOE Defined for Kids
mistletoe
playDefinition of mistletoe for Students
: a plant with waxy white berries that grows on the branches and trunks of trees
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of mistletoe
: any of various parasitic or semiparasitic plants (family Loranthaceae, the mistletoe family) that have thick leathery mostly opposite and sometimes scaly leaves and include some formerly used in preparations with oxytocic, antispasmodic, or heart-stimulating properties: asa: a European semiparasitic green shrub (Viscum album) having somewhat poisonous leaves, stems, and waxy-white glutinous berries that have been used in folk medicineb: any of various American plants (genus Phoradendron and especially P. serotinum synonym P. flavescens) resembling the true mistletoe of Europe
Learn More about mistletoe
-
See words that rhyme with mistletoe Spanish Central: Translation of mistletoe Nglish: Translation of mistletoe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of mistletoe for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mistletoe
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up mistletoe? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!