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pimpernel Definition

pim·per·nel (pim′pər nel′, -nəl)

noun

any of a genus (Anagallis) of plants of the primrose family, esp. the scarlet pimpernel (A. arvensis), with red, white, or blue, starlike flowers which close in bad weather

Etymology: ME pympernelle < OFr piprenelle < LL pimpinella, an herb with medicinal uses, prob. altered < *piperinella, ult. < L piper, pepper: its fruit resembles small peppercorns

pimpernel Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • include: Less common specialities of these boggy areas include bog pimpernel, bog asphodel, round-leaved sundew and pale butterwort.

Adjective modifier

  • scarlet: To the SOE, the Lysander was known as the ' scarlet pimpernel of the air ' .
  • yellow: In damper areas lesser celandine is followed by ransoms, or wild garlic and yellow pimpernel can be found.

Browse dictionary entries near pimpernel

  1. ‹ pimp
  2. ‹ pimiento
  3. ‹ pimentos
  4. ‹ pimento cheese
  5. ‹ pimento
  6. ‹ Pimas
  7. ‹ Piman
  8. ‹ Pima cotton
  9. ‹ Pima
  10. ‹ pilus
  1. pimping ›
  2. pimple ›
  3. pimpled ›
  4. pimplier ›
  5. pimpliest ›
  6. pimply ›
  7. pin ›
  8. pin boy ›
  9. pin curl ›
  10. pin money ›