/werrm"wood'/ , n.
1. any composite herb or low shrub of the genus Artemisia.
2. a bitter, aromatic plant, A. absinthium, of the Old World, used as a vermifuge and a tonic, and as an ingredient in absinthe.
3. something bitter, grievous, or extremely unpleasant.
[ 1350-1400; late ME wormwode (see WORM, WOOD 1 ); r. ME wermode, OE wermod; c. G Wermut; see VERMOUTH ]