wintergreen
wintergreen Lexical Profile
wintergreen Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A pungent, mint-like aromatic oil (rich in methyl salicylate) distilled from the leaves of the wintergreen plant or produced synthetically, widely used as a flavoring for confections, chewing gum, and toothpaste, as well as in topical liniments.
"The antique apothecary bottle still carried the unmistakable scent of wintergreen."
Any of various low-growing evergreen shrubs of the heath family (Ericaceae), especially eastern teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens) native to North America, bearing glossy green leaves, drooping bell-shaped white or pale pink blossoms, and bright red berries.
"Patches of wild wintergreen carpeted the shady forest floor beneath the pine trees."
The small, edible, bright red berry produced by the wintergreen shrub, having a mild, sweet, minty flavor and persisting on the plant through the winter.
"During our autumn hike, we foraged a handful of ripe wintergreens to snack on along the trail."
• adjective
Having the cool, minty flavor or aroma of wintergreen oil.
"She prefers wintergreen toothpaste over regular peppermint varieties."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the 16th century as a compound of 'winter' and 'green' (probably modeled on Middle Dutch 'wintergroen' or Middle Low German 'wintergron'), referring to the plant's ability to retain its green leaves throughout the winter months.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.