tor·men·til (tôr m n-t l )n. A perennial Eurasian plant (Potentilla erecta) having yellow flowers and astringent roots. [Middle English tormentille, from Medieval Latin tormentilla, feminine diminutive of Latin tormentum, torment (from its use as an analgesic); see torment.] |
tormentil [ˈtɔːməntɪl]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) a rosaceous downy perennial plant, Potentilla erecta, of Europe and W Asia, having serrated leaves, four-petalled yellow flowers, and an astringent root used in medicine, tanning, and dyeing Also called bloodroot
[from Old French tormentille, from Medieval Latin tormentilla, from Latin tormentum agony; referring to its use in relieving pain; see torment]
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