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rue1 definition

rue (ro̵̅o̅)

transitive verb rued, ruing ru′·ing

  1. to feel remorse or repentance for (a sin, fault, etc.)
  2. to wish (an act, promise, etc.) undone or unmade; regret

Etymology: ME reowen < OE hreowan, akin to Ger reuen, to regret, ON hryggr, sorrowful, prob. < IE base *kreu-, to strike, beat > Gr krouein

intransitive verb

to be sorrowful or regretful

noun

Archaic sorrow, repentance, or regret
rue2 definition

rue (ro̵̅o̅)

noun

any of a genus (Ruta) of strong-scented shrubs of the rue family, esp. an herb (R. graveolens) with yellow flowers and bitter-tasting leaves formerly used in medicine

Etymology: OFr < L ruta < Gr rhytē

adjective

designating a family (Rutaceae, order Sapindales) of woody dicotyledonous plants, including the gas plant and the citrus plants

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