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pimpernel

(pim′pər nel′, -nəl)

noun

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

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

See pimpernel in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Any of various plants of the genus Anagallis, especially the scarlet pimpernel (A. arvensis) having opposite, entire leaves and small red, purple, or white flowers.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English pimpernelle

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , alteration of piprenelle

Origin: , from Late Latin pimpinella

Origin: , perhaps from Latin piper, pepper; see pepper

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