LOOSESTRIFE


Meaning of LOOSESTRIFE in English

n.

Pronunciation: ' lü(s)- ˌ str ī f

Function: noun

Etymology: intended as translation of Greek lysimacheios loosestrife (as if from lysis act of loosing + machesthai to fight) ― more at LYSIS

Date: 1548

1 : any of a genus ( Lysimachia ) of plants of the primrose family with leafy stems and usually yellow or white flowers

2 : any of a genus ( Lythrum, family Lythraceae, the loosestrife family) of herbs having entire leaves and including some with showy spikes of purple flowers especially : PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.