English Lexicon

Echinacea

/ˌɛk.ɪˈneɪ.si.ə/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #14500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    Any of several North American purple-flowered plants belonging to the daisy family, widely used in herbal medicine.

    "The gardener planted a vibrant patch of echinacea along the sunny border of the yard."
  2. 2

    An herbal preparation made from the root or flowering parts of these plants, commonly taken as a dietary supplement to boost immune function.

    "She took a dose of echinacea at the first sign of a winter cold."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Modern Latin genus name Echinacea, coined in 1794 by German-American botanist Moench. It stems from the Ancient Greek word echīnos, meaning 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin', directly referencing the spiny, prickly central cone of the flower heads.

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