wych hazel
Definition
- Noun:
- A medicinal lotion: A liquid preparation for the skin, typically with an astringent effect, made from an alcoholic solution containing an extract from the witch hazel plant.
- A type of shrub or small tree: Any of several deciduous shrubs or trees belonging to the genus Hamamelis, known for their bark, which yields an astringent extract.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Lotion):
- She applied wych hazel to the insect bite to soothe the itching.
- Wych hazel is a common ingredient in many aftershave products.
- Noun (Plant):
- The wych hazel in the garden blooms with spidery yellow flowers in late winter.
- The bark of the wych hazel is harvested for its medicinal properties.
Advanced Usage
- Botanical Context: In botanical and horticultural writing, "wych hazel" specifically refers to the plant species, most notably (American witch hazel) and (Chinese witch hazel).
- Historical/Herbal Use: The term is used in contexts discussing traditional herbal remedies, where the extract from the plant's bark and leaves has been used for centuries as a topical treatment.
Variants and Related Words
- Witch hazel: This is the more common modern spelling for both the plant and the lotion. "Wych hazel" is an older variant.
- Hamamelis: The scientific genus name for wych hazel plants.
- Astringent: A substance that causes body tissues to contract, which is the primary property of wych hazel lotion.
Synonyms
- For the lotion: Astringent, topical solution, skin tonic.
- For the plant: Shrub, .
Notes on Different Meanings
The two primary meanings are intrinsically linked. The first meaning (the lotion) is a product derived from the second meaning (the plant). Context usually makes it clear which is being referred to: a discussion about skincare will refer to the lotion, while a discussion about gardening or botany will refer to the shrub.
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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