hyssop
hyssop Lexical Profile
hyssop Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A bushy, aromatic perennial herb of the mint family (Hyssopus officinalis) native to southern Europe and the Middle East, cultivated for its narrow leaves and dense spikes of small violet-blue, pink, or white flowers.
"Bees and butterflies flocked to the vibrant blue blossoms of the hyssop bordering the herb garden."
A small, bushy aromatic plant of the Middle East (commonly identified as Syrian oregano, Origanum syriacum) whose bundled twigs were used in ancient Jewish rites for sprinkling purifying water or blood.
"In biblical traditions, bunches of hyssop were dipped in water and used in ceremonies of ritual purification."
The pungent, slightly bitter leaves and floral tops of the hyssop plant, used fresh or dried in culinary seasoning, herbal teas, and traditional liqueurs such as Chartreuse.
"The herbalist steeped dried hyssop in hot water to prepare a soothing infusion for coughs."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed via Old French hisope and Latin hyssopus from Ancient Greek hyssopos, which was adapted from the Hebrew ezob, referring to a sacred aromatic plant used for ritual cleansing.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.