witch hazel

witch hazel

n.

1. Any of several deciduous shrubs or small trees of the genus Hamamelis, especially H. virginiana, of eastern North America, having yellow flowers that bloom in late autumn or winter.

2. An alcoholic solution containing an extract of the bark and leaves of this plant, applied externally as a mild astringent.

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[Alteration of obsolete wych, wych elm; see wych elm + hazel.]

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witch hazel

Noun

a medicinal solution made from the bark and leaves of a N American shrub, which is put on the skin to treat bruises and inflammation

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	witch hazel - any of several shrubs or trees of the genus Hamamelis; bark yields an astringent lotion witch hazel plant, wych hazel, wych hazel plant genus Hamamelis, Hamamelis - deciduous shrubs or small trees: witch hazel Hamamelis virginiana, Virginian witch hazel - common shrub of eastern North America having small yellow flowers after the leaves have fallen Hamamelis vernalis, vernal witch hazel - fragrant shrub of lower Mississippi valley having very small flowers from midwinter to spring bush, shrub - a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
	2.	witch hazel - lotion consisting of an astringent alcoholic solution containing an extract from the witch hazel plant wych hazel lotion, application - liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin; "a lotion for dry skin"