prunella

See also: Prunella

English

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɛlə

Etymology 1

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

Noun

prunella (plural prunellas)

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

Etymology 2

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

Noun

prunella (uncountable)

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

Derived terms

• prunella salt

Etymology 3

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

Noun

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.