Definition

Noun: * A Eurasian herb (Achillea ptarmica) of the daisy family, characterized by loose clusters of button-shaped white flowers and long, narrow, grey-green leaves. When dried and powdered, these leaves can irritate the nasal passages and cause sneezing. It is also known as "sneezeweed" or "bastard pellitory."

Usage

• is primarily used as the common name for a specific flowering plant. It is used in botanical contexts, historical medicine, and gardening.
• Example: "The meadow was dotted with various wildflowers, including patches of sneezewort."
• Example: "Historically, sneezewort powder was used as a sternutatory (a sneezing-inducing agent)."

Advanced Usage

• The plant's historical use gives the word a specific application in ethnobotany and the history of medicine. It can be referenced when discussing traditional or herbal remedies, even if those uses are no longer common.
• Example: "In his study of ancient apothecaries, the researcher noted the frequent inclusion of sneezewort among supplies meant to clear the head."

Variants and Related Words

• Sneezeweed: A common alternative name for the same plant (). (Note: In some regions, "sneezeweed" may refer to plants in the genus, so context is important).
• Ptarmica: Derived from the species name, sometimes used in more technical or horticultural contexts.
• Achillea: The genus name, which includes yarrow and other related plants.

Synonyms

• Bastard pellitory
• European pellitory
• Goose tongue (a less common regional name)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word sneezewort refers exclusively to this specific plant. It does not have other unrelated meanings. Its name is directly descriptive of one of its traditional properties (causing sneezing).

Noun

1. Eurasian herb having loose heads of button-shaped white flowers and long grey-green leaves that cause sneezing when powdered