VocabDictionary

great mullein

/ɡreɪt ˈmʌl.ɪn/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A tall, biennial Eurasian plant (Verbascum thapsus) of the figwort family, characterized by dense woolly leaves and a tall spike of yellow flowers, often used in herbal medicine.

Example Sentences:
  • The hiker spotted a towering great mullein blooming brightly along the edge of the rocky trail.
  • Herbalists often harvest the leaves and flowers of the great mullein to prepare soothing teas for respiratory health.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

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

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The word 'great' comes from Old English 'grēat', meaning large or thick. 'Mullein' derives from Middle English 'moleyn', which ultimately traces back to the Latin 'mollis', meaning 'soft', in reference to the plant's downy, velvet-textured leaves.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Picture a 'GREAT' tall plant with soft, velvet leaves like a 'MULLEN' (mullein) blanket keeping it warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About “great mullein

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

In English, great mullein (noun) is defined as: “A tall, biennial Eurasian plant (Verbascum thapsus) of the figwort family, characterized by dense woolly leaves and a tall spike of yellow flowers, often used in herbal medicine.”.

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

The hiker spotted a towering great mullein blooming brightly along the edge of the rocky trail.

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

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

The word 'great' comes from Old English 'grēat', meaning large or thick. 'Mullein' derives from Middle English 'moleyn', which ultimately traces back to the Latin 'mollis', meaning 'soft', in reference to the plant's downy, velvet-textured leaves.