Definition of pimpernel in English:
pimpernel
noun ˈpɪmpənɛlˈpɪmpərˌnɛl
A small European plant of the primrose family, with creeping stems and flat five-petalled flowers.
Genera Anagallis and Lysimachia, family Primulaceae: several species, in particular the scarlet pimpernel
Example sentencesExamples
- A rich diversity of plants thrive in the wet conditions at Greena Moor including bog pimpernel, marsh violet, saw-wort and abundant meadow thistle and devil's-bit scabious.
- Primroses grew in the grass around it and a small red flower that I thought must be pimpernel.
- As well as being a home to wildlife, it also has pockets of enchanted nightshade, yellow pimpernel and oak fern.
Origin
Late Middle English (denoting the great burnet and the salad burnet): from Old French pimpernelle, based on Latin piper 'pepper' (because of the resemblance of the burnet's fruit to a peppercorn).
Definition of pimpernel in US English:
pimpernel
nounˈpɪmpərˌnɛlˈpimpərˌnel
A small plant of the primrose family, with creeping stems and flat five-petaled flowers.
Genera Anagallis and Lysimachia, family Primulaceae: several species, in particular the scarlet pimpernel
Example sentencesExamples
- Primroses grew in the grass around it and a small red flower that I thought must be pimpernel.
- As well as being a home to wildlife, it also has pockets of enchanted nightshade, yellow pimpernel and oak fern.
- A rich diversity of plants thrive in the wet conditions at Greena Moor including bog pimpernel, marsh violet, saw-wort and abundant meadow thistle and devil's-bit scabious.
Origin
Late Middle English (denoting the great burnet and the salad burnet): from Old French pimpernelle, based on Latin piper ‘pepper’ (because of the resemblance of the burnet's fruit to a peppercorn).