| 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. [Alteration of obsolete wych, wych elm; see wych elm + hazel.] |
witch hazel, wych-hazel
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any of several trees and shrubs of the genus Hamamelis, esp H. virginiana, of North America, having ornamental yellow flowers and medicinal properties: family Hamamelidaceae
2. (Medicine / Pharmacology) an astringent medicinal solution containing an extract of the bark and leaves of H. virginiana, applied to treat bruises, inflammation, etc.
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  witch hazel - any of several shrubs or trees of the genus Hamamelis; bark yields an astringent lotiongenus 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 |
| 2. | witch hazel - lotion consisting of an astringent alcoholic solution containing an extract from the witch hazel plant lotion, application - liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin; "a lotion for dry skin" |
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|