Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tall European flowering plant: "common foxglove" refers to a tall, leafy biennial or perennial plant native to Europe, known for its striking, elongated clusters of large, tubular, pink-to-purple flowers.
   • A source of medicinal and toxic compounds: The leaves of this plant are the source of the drug digitalis (used in heart medicine) and are poisonous to livestock and humans if ingested.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The common foxglove is a beautiful but dangerous plant often found in woodland gardens.
  • Digitalis, a vital heart medication, is derived from the leaves of the common foxglove.

Advanced Usage

• In a botanical or horticultural context: The term is used precisely to distinguish (the common foxglove) from other species within the genus.
  • While several foxglove species exist, the common foxglove is the most widely recognized in cultivation.

Variants and Related Words

• Foxglove (n): The common name for plants of the genus . "Common foxglove" is a specific type.
• Digitalis (n): 1. The genus name for foxglove plants. 2. The medicinal drug extracted from the leaves of these plants.
• Digitalis purpurea (n): The scientific Latin name for the common foxglove.

Synonyms

• Digitalis purpurea: The scientific synonym.
• Purple foxglove: A common alternative name based on its flower color.
• Fairy gloves: A folk or poetic name.

Related Phrases

• To be as poisonous as a foxglove: An idiomatic comparison highlighting something's high toxicity.
  • Handle those chemicals with care; they're as poisonous as a foxglove.

Notes on Meaning

• The "common" in "common foxglove" specifically denotes it as the most widespread and familiar species, not that it is ordinary or lacking in value. Its dual nature—both ornamental and pharmacologically significant—is a key aspect of its definition.

Noun

1. tall leafy European biennial or perennial having spectacular clusters of large tubular pink-purple flowers; leaves yield drug digitalis and are poisonous to livestock