pellitory (redirected from pellitories)

pel·li·to·ry  (pl-tôr, -tr)

n. pl. pel·li·to·ries

1. A small Mediterranean plant (Anacyclus pyrethrum) containing a volatile oil once used for the relief of toothache and facial neuralgia.

2. Any of various monoecious plants of the genus Parietaria, having long narrow leaves with hairy tufts at the base and apetalous flowers.

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[Middle English peletre, peletori, from Old French piretre, peletre, from Latin pyrethrum; see pyrethrum.]

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pellitory [ˈpɛlɪtərɪ -trɪ]

n pl -ries

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any of various urticaceous plants of the S and W European genus Parietaria, esp P. diffusa (pellitory-of-the-wall or wall pellitory), that grow in crevices and have long narrow leaves and small pink flowers

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants)

pellitory of Spain a small Mediterranean plant, Anacyclus pyrethrum, the root of which contains an oil formerly used to relieve toothache: family Asteraceae (composites)

[C16 peletre, from Old French piretre, from Latin pyrethrum, from Greek purethron, from pur fire, from the hot pungent taste of the root]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	pellitory - herb that grows in crevices having long narrow leaves and small pink apetalous flowers Parietaria difussa, pellitory-of-the-wall, wall pellitory herb, herbaceous plant - a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests genus Parietaria, Parietaria - small genus of stingless herbs
	2.	pellitory - a small Mediterranean plant containing a volatile oil once used to relieve toothache Anacyclus pyrethrum, pellitory-of-Spain Anacyclus, genus Anacyclus - a Spanish pellitory herb, herbaceous plant - a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests