witch hazel

witch hazel definition - medical

witch hazel (wĭch)

noun
  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.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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