toothwort

noun

tooth·​wort ˈtüth-ˌwərt How to pronounce toothwort (audio)
-ˌwȯrt
1
: a European parasitic plant (Lathraea squamaria) of the broomrape family having pink-tinged white flowers and tooth-shaped scaly leaves
2
: any of several cresses (genus Dentaria) that have usually fleshy scaly rhizomes and are sometimes placed in the same genus as the bitter cresses

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Wildflowers, including wild geranium, phlox and toothwort, and several species of oaks grow there as well. Susan Degrane, chicagotribune.com, 8 July 2021 The Pollinator Habitat Expansion Initiative involves mowing less and planting varieties of milkweed, clover, ironweed, wingstem, columbine, joe pye weed and two-leaved toothwort. USA TODAY, 16 July 2019 Take advantage of the fact that hostas emerge late and plant the large open expanses with spring-flowering bulbs and ephemeral wildflowers such as toothworts (Dentaria), spring beauties (Claytonia), and trout lilies (Erythronium). Kris Wetherbee, Good Housekeeping, 7 Aug. 2018 Take advantage of the fact that hostas emerge late and plant the large open expanses with spring-flowering bulbs and ephemeral wildflowers such as toothworts (Dentaria), spring beauties (Claytonia), and trout lilies (Erythronium). Kris Wetherbee, Good Housekeeping, 7 Aug. 2018 Take advantage of the fact that hostas emerge late and plant the large open expanses with spring-flowering bulbs and ephemeral wildflowers such as toothworts (Dentaria), spring beauties (Claytonia), and trout lilies (Erythronium). Kris Wetherbee, Good Housekeeping, 7 Aug. 2018 Take advantage of the fact that hostas emerge late and plant the large open expanses with spring-flowering bulbs and ephemeral wildflowers such as toothworts (Dentaria), spring beauties (Claytonia), and trout lilies (Erythronium). Kris Wetherbee, Good Housekeeping, 7 Aug. 2018 Take advantage of the fact that hostas emerge late and plant the large open expanses with spring-flowering bulbs and ephemeral wildflowers such as toothworts (Dentaria), spring beauties (Claytonia), and trout lilies (Erythronium). Kris Wetherbee, Good Housekeeping, 7 Aug. 2018 Take advantage of the fact that hostas emerge late and plant the large open expanses with spring-flowering bulbs and ephemeral wildflowers such as toothworts (Dentaria), spring beauties (Claytonia), and trout lilies (Erythronium). Kris Wetherbee, Good Housekeeping, 7 Aug. 2018 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of toothwort was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near toothwort

Cite this Entry

“Toothwort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toothwort. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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