squill

noun \ ˈskwil \

Definition of squill

1 a : a Mediterranean bulbous herb (Urginea maritima) of the lily family — called also sea onion; compare red squill 1

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

(2) : red squill 2

2 : scilla

Recent Examples of squill from the Web

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.

Origin and Etymology of squill

Middle English, from Anglo-French squille, Latin squilla, scilla, from Greek skilla

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

squill

noun \ ˈskwil \

medical Definition of squill

1 a : 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)

2 a : 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 2a — compare white squill

b : red squill 2