comfrey
comfrey Lexical Profile
comfrey Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of several rough, hairy perennial herbs of the genus Symphytum in the borage family (Boraginaceae), native to Europe and Asia, cultivated for their drooping clusters of bell-shaped purple, pink, cream, or white flowers.
"Bumblebees visited the nodding purple blossoms of the comfrey growing along the damp border of the cottage garden."
The mucilaginous roots and large, nutrient-rich leaves of the Symphytum plant, traditionally used in herbal poultices and organic gardening as a compost activator and liquid fertilizer.
"The gardener steeped chopped comfrey in a barrel of rainwater to brew a potassium-rich liquid feed for the tomato crop."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed via Old French 'cumfirie' from Late Latin 'confirma', deriving from the Latin verb 'confirmare' (to strengthen or make firm), in reference to the plant's traditional reputation for knitting broken bones and healing wounds.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.