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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

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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