palsy-wort - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation
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palsy-wort (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation


Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/pɔːl.zi.wɜːrt/

Meaning and Usage

Palsy-wort refers to a herbaceous plant, specifically Hyoscyamus niger, which is known for its historical use in herbal medicine. The term is often associated with plants that were believed to cure or alleviate paralysis or nerve disorders. The usage of "palsy-wort" has become quite rare in modern language, as more people tend to refer to specific herbs by their common or scientific names. Its use is more commonly found in written contexts, particularly in historical texts, herbal medicine references, or literature.

Frequency of Use

The term "palsy-wort" is not frequently used in contemporary English, particularly in everyday conversation. It appears more often in historical, botanical, or specialized literature.

Example Sentences

  1. The ancient texts referenced the use of palsy-wort as a remedy for the afflicted.
    (Los textos antiguos mencionaban el uso de la hierba palsy-wort como un remedio para los afligidos.)

  2. She cultivated palsy-wort in her garden, hoping to uncover its forgotten medicinal properties.
    (Ella cultivó palsy-wort en su jardín, esperando descubrir sus propiedades medicinales olvidadas.)

  3. In folklore, palsy-wort was reputed to restore mobility to those stricken by paralysis.
    (En el folclore, se decía que la hierba palsy-wort restauraba la movilidad a aquellos afligidos por la parálisis.)

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "palsy-wort" does not appear in any widely recognized idiomatic expressions in the English language. However, some idioms related to health and remedies exist that can incorporate the idea of healing or herbal remedies, though they may not directly involve "palsy-wort."

Example Sentences

  1. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
    (Una manzana al día mantiene alejado al médico.)
    (This idiom implies that good health can be maintained through simple, healthy choices.)

  2. A stitch in time saves nine.
    (Una puntada a tiempo ahorra nueve.)
    (This means that taking quick action can prevent bigger problems later.)

  3. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
    (No pongas todos los huevos en una sola canasta.)
    (This phrase warns against risking everything on a single venture.)

Etymology

The term "palsy" comes from the Old French word "palsie," which refers to paralysis, while "wort" is derived from the Old English word "wyrt," meaning plant or herb. Therefore, "palsy-wort" literally translates to "paralysis herb," indicating its historical association with therapeutic properties for ailments affecting mobility.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Medicinal herb - Healing plant - Folk remedy

Antonyms: - Poison - Toxic plant - Harmful substance

In summary, "palsy-wort" is a historical term for a herbal remedy associated with paralysis. While it offers fascinating insights from past herbal practices, its use in modern language is quite limited.



25-07-2024