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hyssop definition

hys·sop (his′əp)

noun

    1. a fragrant herb (Hyssopus officinalis) of the mint family, usually with blue flowers, having leaves once used in folk medicine as a tonic, stimulant, etc.
    2. its flower
  2. ☆ any of several American plants of various families
  3. Bible a plant whose twigs were used for sprinkling in certain ancient Jewish rites

Etymology: ME isope < OE & OFr ysope < L hyssopus < Gr hyssōpos, hyssōpon < Heb ēzōbh

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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