costmary
[ kost-mair-ee, kawst- ]
/ ˈkɒstˌmɛər i, ˈkɔst- /
noun, plural cost·mar·ies.
a composite plant, Chrysanthemum balsamita, that has silvery, fragrant leaves and is used in salads and as a flavoring.
Also called
mint geranium.
Origin of costmary
1325–75; Middle English
costmarie, equivalent to
cost (Old English
cost costmary < Latin
costum,
costus a composite herb,
Saussurea lappa < Greek
kóstos) +
Marie (the Virgin) Mary
Words nearby costmary
costermansville,
costermonger,
costing,
costive,
costly,
costmary,
costner,
costo-,
costoaxillary vein,
costocervical artery,
costochondral
British Dictionary definitions for costmary
costmary
/ (ˈkɒstˌmɛərɪ) /
noun plural -maries
a herbaceous plant, Chrysanthemum balsamita, native to Asia. Its fragrant leaves were used as a seasoning and to flavour ale: family Asteraceae (composites)
Also called: alecost
Word Origin for costmary
C15
costmarie, from Latin
costum aromatic plant +
Marie (the Virgin) Mary