squill

noun

\ ˈskwil

Definition of squill

1a : a Mediterranean bulbous herb (Urginea maritima) of the lily family

— called also sea onion

— compare red squill sense 1

b(1) : the dried sliced bulb scales of a squill used especially formerly as an expectorant, cardiac stimulant, and diuretic

(2) : red squill sense 2

2 : scilla

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Grape hyacinths, crocus, snowdrops, Siberian squill and bluebells can be grown under deciduous trees. — Jeff Lowenfels, Alaska Dispatch News, "Go forth and plant spring bulbs," 15 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'squill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of squill was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for squill

squill

noun

\ ˈskwil

Medical Definition of squill

1a : a Mediterranean bulbous herb of the genus Urginea (U. maritima) of the lily family

— called also sea onion

b : any of several other plants of the genus Urginea

c : the bulbs of a squill (especially U. maritima)

2a : the dried sliced bulb of the white-bulbed form of the squill (Urginea maritima) of the Mediterranean region or the dried sliced bulb of a related Asian plant (U. indica) that contains one or more physically active cardiac glycosides and was formerly used as an expectorant, cardiac stimulant, and diuretic — see urginea sense 2a — compare white squill

b : red squill sense 2