loosestrife
loosestrife Lexical Profile
loosestrife Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of various tall wetland plants of the genus Lythrum (especially purple loosestrife), known for their spikes of brightly colored flowers and notoriously invasive ecological impact in North American wetlands.
"Environmental groups organized a weekend initiative to pull invasive loosestrife from the marshes before it completely choked out the native flora."
Any of several plants of the genus Lysimachia in the primrose family, typically bearing star-shaped yellow flowers and often cultivated in damp garden borders.
"The horticulturist planted yellow loosestrife near the edge of the pond to add vibrant color during the late summer months."
Word Origin & Etymology
A literal English translation (calque) of the Latin plant genus 'Lysimachia', which stems from the Greek 'lusimakhos' (ending strife). The name stems from an ancient belief, documented by Pliny the Elder, that tying the plant to the yokes of oxen would soothe them and prevent them from fighting.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.