pellitory

noun

pel·​li·​to·​ry ˈpe-lə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce pellitory (audio)
plural pellitories
1
: a southern European composite plant (Anacyclus pyrethrum) resembling yarrow

called also pellitory-of-Spain

2
: any of a genus (Parietaria) of herbs of the nettle family with alternate leaves and inconspicuous flowers

called also pellitory-of-the-wall

Word History

Etymology

Middle English peletre, pelytory, from Anglo-French peletre, peretre, from Medieval Latin peletrum, piretrum, alteration of Latin pyrethrum — more at pyrethrum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pellitory was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pellitory

Cite this Entry

“Pellitory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pellitory. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

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