Heartseases

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of flowering plant known for its vibrant blooms and heart-shaped leaves, often found in gardens and used ornamentally
2. A member of the Viola family, characterized by its small, colorful flowers and typically growing in temperate regions
3. An herbaceous plant that produces attractive, heart-shaped leaves and is popular in landscaping for its cheerful appearance

Etymology: "Heartseases" is simply the plural of "heartsease", the common name for a wild pansy in the Viola family. The plural is the form to use when referring to several of these flowers at once. The name itself is a compound of "heart" and "ease", with an "s" linking the two. Its older sense was medicinal: an infusion made from the plant was traditionally believed to cure lovesickness, so a plant that relieved an aching heart took its name from that supposed effect. The flower's colourful, velvety blooms gave it a second life as a symbol of tender feeling, which is why the name has stayed attached to pansies rather than to any other plant.

Synonyms: flowers, herbs