milkwort Hear it!

milkwort definition

milk·wort (-wʉrt′)

noun

any of a genus (Polygala) of plants of the milkwort family with showy flowers of various colors

Etymology: from the former notion that it increases the secretion of milk in nursing women

adjective

designating a family (Polygalaceae, order Polygalales) of dicotyledonous plants, including the gaywings

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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