herb Paris

herb Paris

n. A European plant (Paris quadrifolia) having a whorl of four leaves and a solitary yellow or greenish flower.

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[Probably Medieval Latin herba paris, herb of a pair (perhaps a reference to the two pairs of leaves on the whorl) : Latin herba, herb + Latin paris, genitive of pār, equal; see par.]

herb Paris

n, pl herbs Paris (Plants) a Eurasian woodland plant, Paris quadrifolia, with a whorl of four leaves and a solitary yellow flower: formerly used medicinally: family Trilliaceae [C16: from Medieval Latin herba paris, literally: herb of a pair: so called because the four leaves on the stalk look like a true lovers' knot; associated in folk etymology with Paris, France]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

herb Paris - European herb with yellow-green flowers resembling and closely related to the trilliums; reputed to be poisonousParis quadrifoliaherb, herbaceous plant - a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pestsgenus Paris, Paris - sometimes placed in subfamily Trilliaceae