tormentil

noun

tor·​men·​til ˈtȯr-mən-ˌtil How to pronounce tormentil (audio)
: a yellow-flowered Eurasian cinquefoil (Potentilla erecta synonym P. tormentilla) with a root sometimes used in tanning and dyeing

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turmentille, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin tormentilla, from Latin tormentum; from its use in allaying pain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tormentil was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near tormentil

tormentedly

tormentil

Tormentilla

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Cite this Entry

“Tormentil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tormentil. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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