chamomile
chamomile Lexical Profile
chamomile Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The dried flower heads of this plant, or a soothing herbal infusion made from them, widely consumed as a caffeine-free tea and traditional remedy to promote relaxation and sleep.
"She brewed a warm cup of chamomile before bed to help calm her nerves after a long day."
Any of several aromatic European composite plants of the family Asteraceae (especially Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile), having finely divided feathery leaves and bearing small daisy-like flowers with white ray petals and yellow disk centers.
"The garden path was bordered with fragrant chamomile, whose white and yellow blossoms released a sweet scent whenever stepped upon."
Word Nuance & Usage
Also spelled 'camomile', especially in British English, though 'chamomile' (reflecting its Greek etymology) is the standard spelling in American English and scientific contexts.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French camomille, via Late Latin chamomilla, from Ancient Greek chamaimēlon, literally meaning 'earth-apple' (from chamai 'on the ground' + mēlon 'apple'), named for the apple-like scent of its blossoms.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.