pennywort
pennywort Lexical Profile
pennywort Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of various low-growing or creeping herbaceous plants characterized by small, rounded, coin-shaped leaves, especially aquatic species of the genus Hydrocotyle (family Araliaceae), Asiatic pennywort (Centella asiatica, family Apiaceae), or wall pennywort (Umbilicus rupestris, family Crassulaceae).
"Patches of marsh pennywort spread rapidly across the muddy banks of the shallow pond."
The edible, mildly bitter, fan-shaped leaves and slender stems of the Asiatic pennywort (Centella asiatica), widely used as a culinary leafy green in salads, curries, and herbal beverages across South and Southeast Asia.
"The street vendor served a refreshing green juice pressed from fresh pennywort and sweetened with palm sugar."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in late Middle English as a compound of 'penny' and 'wort' (from Old English 'wyrt', meaning plant or herb), in reference to the round, coin-like shape of the plant's leaves.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.