fumitory

noun

fu·​mi·​to·​ry ˈfyü-mə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce fumitory (audio)
: any of a genus (Fumaria of the family Papaveraceae, the poppy family) of erect or climbing herbs
especially : a common European herb (F. officinalis)

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fumeterre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin fumus terrae, literally, smoke of the earth, from Latin fumus + terrae, genitive of terra earth — more at terrace entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fumitory was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fumitory

Cite this Entry

“Fumitory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fumitory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on fumitory

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!