mullein
mullein Lexical Profile
mullein Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of various Old World herbaceous flowering plants of the genus Verbascum (family Scrophulariaceae), widely naturalized in North America, characterized by a basal rosette of soft, woolly leaves and a tall, erect spike densely packed with yellow, white, or purple five-petaled flowers.
"Tall spikes of yellow mullein bloomed along the dry, gravelly roadside throughout the summer."
The dried, velvety foliage or blossoms of the Verbascum thapsus plant, traditionally steeped in herbal medicine to make soothing teas and tinctures for respiratory ailments.
"The herbalist recommended a warm infusion of mullein to help calm the persistent winter cough."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Anglo-Norman and Old French moleine, likely derived from Latin mollis ('soft'), referring to the velvety, down-covered leaves characteristic of the plant.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.