bistort

noun

bis·tort ˈbis-ˌtȯrt

bis-ˈtȯrt

: any of several polygonums

especially : a Eurasian perennial herb (Polygonum bistorta) with twisted roots used as astringents

Examples of bistort in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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Look for heartleaf arnica and blue columbine in the shadows of the trees while paintbrush, elephant heads, bistort and purple fringe grow in the wet areas of the meadows. —

Estes Park Trail-Gazette, The Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2024 Take this latter trail for one of the easiest to reach meadows of alpine flowers in the area, including paintbrush, elephant heads and the cotton-ball-like bistort. —

Dawn Wilson, The Denver Post, 23 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French bistorte, from Medieval Latin *bistorta, from Latin bis + torta, feminine of tortus, past participle of torquēre to twist — more at torture entry 1

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bistort was in 1578

See more words from the same year