prunella

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See also: Prunella

English

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Pronunciation

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Etymology 1

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From post-classical Latin prunella, from brunus + -ella, perhaps because of the plant's brown sepals.

Noun

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prunella (plural prunellas)

  1. (botany) A member of the genus Prunella of herbaceous plants, the allheals. [from 16th c.]

Etymology 2

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From post-classical Latin prunella, alternation of brunella (infectious epidemic), from brunus + -ella.

Noun

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prunella (uncountable)

  1. (obsolete, medicine) Any of various diseases characterised by inflammation of the mouth or throat. [17th–18th c.]
Derived terms
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Etymology 3

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Probably a variant of prunello, with reference to the colour of the fabric. Compare French prunelle.

Noun

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prunella (uncountable)

  1. (now rare, historical) A smooth worsted or silk fabric, generally black, formerly used for making shoes and clergymen's gowns. [from 17th c.]
    • 1899, Kate Chopin, The Awakening:
      When Edna knocked at Mademoiselle Reisz's front room door and entered, she discovered that person standing beside the window, engaged in mending or patching an old prunella gaiter.
Derived terms
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