sweet cicely

noun

sweet cic·​e·​ly -ˈsi-s(ə-)lē How to pronounce sweet cicely (audio)
: any of a genus (Osmorhiza) of American and eastern Asian herbs of the carrot family that typically have thick fleshy roots and grow in moist woodlands

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Lloyd routinely collects elderflower, plantain leaf, nettle, sweet cicely and valerian, but other finds depend on the time of year. Jennifer Billock, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Feb. 2022 The section on sweet cicely describes its growing habitats (rural settlements, roadsides, parks) and leaf shape. Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 26 July 2019

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

Word History

Etymology

cicely from Latin seselis, from Greek

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sweet cicely was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near sweet cicely

Cite this Entry

“Sweet cicely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweet%20cicely. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

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