witch hazel
Definition
- Noun (Countable):
- A type of shrub or small tree belonging to the genus Hamamelis, known for its fragrant yellow or red flowers that bloom in late fall or winter, and whose bark and leaves yield an astringent extract.
- Noun (Uncountable):
- A soothing, astringent lotion made from an alcoholic solution containing an extract from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant, commonly used for minor skin irritations.
Examples
- Noun (Plant):
- The witch hazel in the garden is blooming with bright yellow flowers in December.
- Native Americans used the bark of the witch hazel for its medicinal properties.
- Noun (Lotion):
- She applied witch hazel to the insect bite to reduce the itching and swelling.
- Witch hazel is a common ingredient in many skincare toners and aftershaves.
Advanced Usage
- The term can function attributively as a noun modifier.
- A witch hazel compress can be very soothing.
- He bought a bottle of witch hazel toner.
Variants and Related Words
- Hamamelis: The botanical genus name for witch hazel.
- Astringent: A substance that causes body tissues to contract, which describes the primary action of witch hazel lotion.
- Distillate: Witch hazel lotion is often sold as "witch hazel distillate."
Synonyms
- For the plant: Hamamelis, winterbloom.
- For the lotion: Astringent, skin tonic.
Notes on Different Meanings
The two primary meanings are intrinsically linked: the first refers to the source plant, and the second refers to the medicinal product derived from it. Context usually makes it clear whether one is discussing the botanical specimen or the topical preparation.
Noun
-
lotion consisting of an astringent alcoholic solution containing an extract from the witch hazel plant
-
any of several shrubs or trees of the genus Hamamelis; bark yields an astringent lotion
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