Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Wormwood?

\Worm"wood\, n. [AS. werm?d, akin to OHG. wermuota, wormuota, G. wermuth, wermut; of uncertain origin.] 1. (Bot.) A composite plant ({Artemisia Absinthium}), having a bitter and slightly aromatic taste, formerly used as a tonic and a vermifuge, and to protect woolen garments from moths. It gives the peculiar flavor to the cordial called absinthe. The volatile oil is a narcotic poison. The term is often extended to other species of the same genus. 2. Anything very bitter or grievous; bitterness. Lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood. --Deut. xxix. 18. {Roman wormwood} (Bot.), an American weed ({Ambrosia artemisi[ae]folia}); hogweed. {Tree wormwood} (Bot.), a species of Artemisia (probably {Artemisia variabilis}) with woody stems. {Wormwood hare} (Zo["o]l.), a variety of the common hare ({Lepus timidus}); -- so named from its color.