Pellitories

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of herb belonging to the family of plants known for their medicinal properties
2. Used in traditional medicine for various treatments, often as a diuretic or to aid digestion
3. Representing a small plant often found in certain cultures for its health benefits and culinary uses

Etymology: "Pellitories" is the plural of "pellitory," a name shared by several unrelated plants. The best known is pellitory-of-the-wall (Parietaria), which sprouts in cracks in old masonry, and its Latin name draws on "paries," meaning wall. Another is pellitory of Spain (Anacyclus pyrethrum), whose dried root has a hot, peppery bite. The name is a worn-down version of Latin "pyrethrum," borrowed from Greek "pyrethron," which is linked to "pyr," fire, a nod to the plant's stinging taste. Through Old French and Medieval Latin forms, the initial "py-" was lost and the word was reshaped. Medieval and early modern writers used these plants mainly as remedies, such as chewing the root for toothache or to draw out saliva. Their use in cooking is poorly documented.

Synonyms: herbs, plants