Foxglove Meaning and Definition
Foxglove
Pronunciation
/ˈfɒksɡloʊv/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of flowering plant in the genus Digitalis, native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, known for its tall stems and tubular bells of purple, white, or pink flowers
Etymology
The word foxglove comes from the Middle English words “fox” and “glove”, referring to the shape of the plant’s flowers, which resemble a pair of gloves worn by a fox
Usage Notes
Foxglove is commonly used in herbal medicine, particularly for its cardiotonic properties, and is also used in gardens as an ornamental plant
Cultural References
Foxglove has been featured in various works of literature and art, including the classic novel “The Foxglove” by Charles Dickens
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Speaking of foxglove” is a common idiomatic expression used to introduce a topic or idea
Related Words or Phrases
- Digitalis
- Tobacco
Collocations
- Foxglove plants
- Foxglove flowers
- To cultivate foxglove
Frequency of Use
Foxglove is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is still used in various contexts, particularly in horticulture and medicine
Common Misspellings
- Gerbera
- Floribunda