Word Study
Tormentil
CIDE DICTIONARY
Tormentil, n. [F. tormentille; cf. Pr., It., & NL. tormentilla, Sp. tormentila; all fr. L. tormentum pain. So called because it is said to allay pain. See Torment.].
A rosaceous herb (Potentilla Tormentilla ), the root of which is used as a powerful astringent, and for alleviating gripes, or tormina, in diarrhea. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Tormentil, n. a low-growing plant, Potentilla erecta, with bright yellow flowers and a highly astringent rootstock used in medicine.
Etymology
ME f. OF tormentille f. med.L tormentilla, of unkn. orig.
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