Mandragora: meaning, definitions and examples

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Mandragora

 

[ ˈmændrəˌɡɔrə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

herbal plant

Mandragora is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Its most famous species, the Mandrake, has a long history of use in herbal medicine and folklore. The plant is known for its forked root that resembles a human figure, which has contributed to various superstitions and mythical associations.

Synonyms

herb, mandrake, plant

Examples of usage

  • The Mandragora plant is often used in traditional medicine.
  • In ancient cultures, mandrakes were believed to have magical properties.
  • The farmer unearthed a mandrake root in his field.
  • She incorporated mandragora into her herbal remedies.

Translations

Translations of the word "Mandragora" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mandrágora

🇮🇳 मंड्रागोरा

🇩🇪 Mandragora

🇮🇩 mandragon

🇺🇦 мандрагора

🇵🇱 mandragora

🇯🇵 マンドラゴラ

🇫🇷 mandragore

🇪🇸 mandrágora

🇹🇷 mandragora

🇰🇷 만드라고라

🇸🇦 ماندراجورا

🇨🇿 mandragora

🇸🇰 mandragora

🇨🇳 曼德拉草

🇸🇮 mandragora

🇮🇸 mandragora

🇰🇿 мандрагора

🇬🇪 მანდრაგორა

🇦🇿 mandragora

🇲🇽 mandrágora

Etymology

The term 'Mandragora' is derived from the Latin 'mandragora' which itself comes from the Greek word 'mandragoras'. The lore surrounding the mandrake dates back to ancient times, where it was often associated with magical and medicinal properties. Many ancient civilizations believed that the mandrake root possessed significant power, including the capability to aid in fertility and to ward off evil spirits. Its human-like appearance led to numerous superstitions and associations with witchcraft. The mandrake is also mentioned in various historical texts, including the Bible, where its roots were linked to love and desire. Over the centuries, the plant has transitioned from ancient valiant remedy to a more contemporary focus in witchcraft and herbalism.