costmary

noun

cost·​mary ˈkȯst-ˌmer-ē How to pronounce costmary (audio)
ˈkäst-
plural costmaries
: an aromatic composite Eurasian herb (Chrysanthemum balsamita synonym Tanacetum balsamita) having leaves used as a potherb and in flavoring

Word History

Etymology

Middle English costmarie, from coste costmary (from Old English cost, from Latin costum, from Greek kostos, a fragrant root) + Marie the Virgin Mary

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of costmary was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near costmary

Cite this Entry

“Costmary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/costmary. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on costmary

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!