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Definition of loosestrife

loosestrife

/ˈluːs.stɹaɪf/
loose · strife
Plural:loosestrifes
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loosestrife Lexical Profile

loosestrife Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various herbaceous flowering plants of the genera Lysimachia (family Primulaceae) or Lythrum (family Lythraceae), typically growing in wetlands and bearing showy spikes or clusters of yellow, purple, pink, or white blossoms.

Example

"Tall spikes of purple loosestrife bloomed brightly along the marshy edges of the riverbank."

• Nearby Words

loosely
loosen
looseness
loosestrife
loot
looter
lop

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 16th century as a loan-translation of the Latin genus name Lysimachia, from Ancient Greek lysimachion, which was interpreted via folk etymology as combining lysis ('loosening') and mache ('strife') from the ancient belief that the plant pacified restless oxen when placed on their yokes.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Loosestrife. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/loosestrife
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