pipsissewa

[ pip-sis-uh-wuh, -waw ]
/ pɪpˈsɪs ə wə, -ˌwɔ /

noun

any evergreen plant of the genus Chimaphila, especially C. umbellata, the leaves of which are used medicinally for their tonic, diuretic, and astringent properties.
Also called prince's-pine.

Origin of pipsissewa

1780–90, Americanism; perhaps < Eastern Abenaki kpi-pskwáhsawe literally, flower of the woods

Words nearby pipsissewa

pipkin, pippa, pipper, pipperoo, pippin, pipsissewa, pipsqueak, pipy, piqua, piquant, pique

Example sentences from the Web for pipsissewa

  • Growing alongside of it you are very likely to find the Pipsissewa, with its beautiful perfume and ever-green leaves.

    Woodcraft |Alan Douglas

British Dictionary definitions for pipsissewa

pipsissewa
/ (pɪpˈsɪsəwə) /

noun

any of several ericaceous plants of the Asian and American genus Chimaphila, having jagged evergreen leaves and white or pinkish flowers Also called: wintergreen

Word Origin for pipsissewa

C19: from Cree pipisisikweu, literally: it breaks it into pieces, so called because it was believed to be efficacious in treating bladder stones