witch hazel

[ wich hey-zuh l ]
/ ˈwɪtʃ ˌheɪ zəl /

noun

a shrub, Hamamelis virginiana, of eastern North America, having toothed, egg-shaped leaves and small, yellow flowers. Compare witch hazel family.
a liquid extraction from the leaves or bark of this plant mixed with water and alcohol, used externally as a liniment for inflammations and bruises and as an astringent.

Origin of witch hazel

1535–45; witch, variant of wych (see wych elm)

Words nearby witch hazel

witch, witch alder, witch ball, witch doctor, witch grass, witch hazel, witch hazel family, witch hobble, witch hunt, witch moth, witch of agnesi

Example sentences from the Web for witch hazel

British Dictionary definitions for witch hazel

witch hazel

wych-hazel

noun

any of several trees and shrubs of the genus Hamamelis, esp H. virginiana, of North America, having ornamental yellow flowers and medicinal properties: family Hamamelidaceae
an astringent medicinal solution containing an extract of the bark and leaves of H. virginiana, applied to treat bruises, inflammation, etc

Medical definitions for witch hazel

witch hazel
[ wĭch ]

n.

Any of several deciduous shrubs or small trees of the genus Hamamelis, especially H. virginiana, of eastern North America, having yellow flowers that bloom in late autumn or winter.
An alcoholic solution containing an extract of the bark and leaves of this plant, applied externally as a mild astringent.