Definition

Noun: 1. A perennial plant with dense spikes of small white flowers and a bulb used in medicine: "Sea squill" refers to a specific plant species, scientifically known as Drimia maritima (formerly Urginea maritima). It is characterized by its large bulb, tall flower spike, and medicinal properties.

Usage and Examples

• The sea squill grows in coastal areas and is known for its large, onion-like bulb.
• Historically, extracts from the sea squill bulb were used as a diuretic and heart stimulant.
• The sea squill produces a tall, impressive spike of white flowers in the late summer.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: In botanical texts, "sea squill" is often discussed for its unique adaptation to dry, sandy, coastal soils and its summer flowering period when most other vegetation is dormant.
• Historical/Pharmacological Context: The term is used in historical medicine to refer to the source of a drug called "squill," which was derived from the prepared bulb of the sea squill.

Variants and Related Words

• Squill: A more general term that can refer to the medicinal preparation from the bulb or to other plants in the same genus.
• Urginea maritima: The former scientific name for the sea squill.
• Drimia maritima: The current accepted scientific name for the sea squill.
• Red squill: A variety of the sea squill with reddish bulbs, historically used as a rodenticide.

Synonyms

• Maritime squill
• White squill (specifically for the white-flowered form)

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning of "sea squill" is the plant itself. Its medicinal use is a key characteristic but is derived from the plant's bulb. The term is not typically used to refer to the medicine directly; that is usually called "squill" or "squill extract."

Noun

1. having dense spikes of small white flowers and yielding a bulb with medicinal properties