salvia
salvia Lexical Profile
salvia Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A Mexican perennial herb of the mint family (Salvia divinorum), or a preparation of its leaves, containing a potent psychoactive compound known for inducing brief, intense hallucinations.
"Public health officials issued a warning regarding the recreational use of salvia among young adults."
Any of numerous herbaceous plants or subshrubs of the large genus Salvia in the mint family (Lamiaceae), widely cultivated in gardens for their showy spikes of two-lipped tubular flowers in vibrant shades of blue, violet, scarlet, or white.
"The gardener planted rows of purple salvia along the sunny border to attract hummingbirds and bees."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'salvia' with 'saliva' (the watery fluid in the mouth). In gardening, 'salvia' usually refers to ornamental flowering species, whereas 'sage' is more commonly used for culinary varieties of the same genus.
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Latin 'salvia' (meaning 'sage'), derived from 'salvus' ('safe, healthy, or unharmed'), in reference to the traditional medicinal and healing properties attributed to the plant.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.