camomile

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English[edit]

Matricaria recutita

Alternative forms[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Middle English camamille, first attested 1265, from Old French camomille, from Late Latin camomilla, from Latin chamaemelon, from Ancient Greek χαμαίμηλον (khamaímēlon, literally earth-apple), from χαμαί (khamaí, on the ground) + μῆλον (mêlon, apple). So called because of the apple-like scent of the plant.

Pronunciation[edit]

Noun[edit]

camomile (countable and uncountable, plural camomiles)

  1. Composite plant with a fragrance reminiscent of apples:
    1. Matricaria recutita (formerly known as Matricaria chamomilla), German chamomile or Hungarian chamomile, with fragrant flowers used for tea, and as an herbal remedy.
      Synonyms: German camomile, Hungarian camomile
    2. Chamaemelum nobile (formerly Anthemis nobilis), English chamomile or Roman chamomile, a ground cover with fragrant foliage.
      Synonyms: Roman camomile, English camomile
  2. Any of several other similar plants. (See below)
  3. Short for camomile tea.
    • 2022 September 27, Barclay Bram, “My Therapist, the Robot”, in The New York Times[1]:
      On another occasion, when trying to brainstorm things I could do to make myself feel better despite all the pandemic restrictions, Woebot suggested I “try doing something nice for someone in your life,” like make a calming tea for my housemate or check in with a loved one. I poured my mum some chamomile: Two birds, one stone.

Derived terms[edit]

Translations[edit]

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Further reading[edit]