VocabDictionary

common mullein

/ˈkɒm.ən ˈmʌl.ɪn/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A tall biennial plant (Verbascum thapsus) of the figwort family, featuring a rosette of large, velvety leaves and a dense spike of yellow flowers, widely naturalized in North America as a weed.

Example Sentences:
  • The hiker paused to admire the towering stalk of a common mullein growing by the roadside.
  • Common mullein is often found thriving in dry, disturbed soils and abandoned pastures.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “common mullein”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The word 'mullein' derives from Middle English 'moleyn', ultimately from the Latin 'mollis', meaning 'soft', referring to the soft, velvety texture of the plant's leaves. 'Common' distinguishes this widespread species (Verbascum thapsus) from other members of the genus.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'common' as widespread and 'mullein' as soft like wool to remember the fuzzy-leaved weed.

Frequently Asked Questions About “common mullein

1. What is the meaning of “common mullein” in English?

In English, common mullein (noun) is defined as: “A tall biennial plant (Verbascum thapsus) of the figwort family, featuring a rosette of large, velvety leaves and a dense spike of yellow flowers, widely naturalized in North America as a weed.”.

2. How do you use “common mullein” in a sentence?

The hiker paused to admire the towering stalk of a common mullein growing by the roadside.

3. What are English synonyms of “common mullein”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “common mullein”?

The word 'mullein' derives from Middle English 'moleyn', ultimately from the Latin 'mollis', meaning 'soft', referring to the soft, velvety texture of the plant's leaves. 'Common' distinguishes this widespread species (Verbascum thapsus) from other members of the genus.