alecost
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A perennial herb: A Eurasian herb (Tanacetum balsamita, formerly Chrysanthemum balsamita) with yellow, button-like flowers, known for its tansy-like scent. It is used as a culinary herb, a salad green, for flavoring, and sometimes in potpourri or tea.
Usage
- The term is used specifically to refer to this particular aromatic plant species.
- It is primarily a botanical and culinary term.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Culinary Use: The plant is sometimes referred to as "costmary" or "bible leaf," with historical use as a bookmark in Bibles for its pleasant scent during services.
- As a flavoring agent: It is used to flavor ale and beer, which is the origin of its common name "alecost."
Variants and Related Words
- Costmary: A more common synonym for the same plant ().
- Balsamita: Refers to the genus or species name.
- Mint geranium: Another occasional common name for this herb.
Synonyms
- Costmary
- Bible leaf (informal, referring to its historical use)
- (scientific name)
Notes on Meaning
This word has a single, specific meaning referring to the herb. It is not commonly used in everyday modern English but is found in botanical, gardening, and historical culinary contexts.
Noun
- tansy-scented Eurasian perennial herb with buttonlike yellow flowers; used as potherb or salad green and sometimes for potpourri or tea or flavoring; sometimes placed in genus Chrysanthemum