hyssop
hyssop Lexical Profile
hyssop Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small, bushy aromatic shrub of the mint family (Hyssopus officinalis), native to Eurasia, bearing spikes of blue flowers and traditionally used as a culinary and medicinal herb.
"She planted hyssop and lavender along the borders of her garden to attract honeybees and butterflies."
An unidentified plant mentioned in the Bible, often thought to be a species of marjoram or caper, whose twigs were historically used in ancient Middle Eastern purification rituals to sprinkle liquids.
"According to the ancient text, the priest dipped a sprig of hyssop into the basin to sprinkle water over the altar."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'ysope' and Old French 'ysope', via Latin 'hyssopus' from Greek 'hyssōpos', ultimately of Semitic origin (compare Hebrew 'ēzōḇ').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.