Mandrake: meaning, definitions and examples

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mandrake

 

[ หˆmรฆnหŒdreษชk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

plant type

Mandrake is a plant belonging to the genus Mandragora, known for its forked root and typically large, green leaves. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and folklore, often attributed with magical properties. This plant typically grows in Mediterranean regions and has been used for centuries in various cultural rituals. The root resembles a human figure, which has contributed to its mythical status in literature and witchcraft.

Synonyms

Mandragora, otherworldly root, witches' root

Examples of usage

  • The mandrake was often used in ancient remedies.
  • Legends say that pulling a mandrake root could bring misfortune.
  • In medieval times, mandrake was considered a powerful talisman.
Context #2 | Noun

folklore

In folklore, mandrakes are associated with various magical practices and often appear in stories and myths. It is said that the scream of a mandrake being uprooted is fatal to anyone who hears it. This belief has permeated literature and various cultural narratives, often portraying the mandrake as a symbol of danger and enchantment.

Synonyms

enchantment root, folkloric herb, magical plant

Examples of usage

  • In Harry Potter, mandrakes are used for their restorative properties.
  • Shakespeare referenced mandrakes in his plays.
  • The tale of the mandrake's scream has inspired many horror stories.

Translations

Translations of the word "mandrake" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mandrรกgora

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเค‚เคฆเฅเคฐเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Mandragora

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mandrake

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะฐะฝะดั€ะฐะณะพั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mandragora

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒžใƒณใƒ‰ใƒฌใ‚คใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mandragore

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mandrรกgora

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mandrake

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋งŒ๋“œ๋ ˆ์ดํฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุงู†ุฏุฑูŠูƒุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mandragora

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mandragora

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ›ผๅพทๆ‹‰่‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mandragora

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mandrake

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐะฝะดั€ะฐะณะพั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒœแƒ“แƒ แƒแƒ’แƒแƒ แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mandrake

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mandrรกgora

Word origin

The word 'mandrake' comes from the Middle English term 'mandragora', derived from the Latin 'mandragora', which traces back to the Greek 'mandragoras'. Notably, the ancient Greeks believed that the plant was sacred to the goddess Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft and magic. For centuries, mandrakes were associated with various potent medical properties and were used in folk remedies. The shape of the root, resembling a human figure, sparked countless superstitions and tales regarding its magical uses. By the medieval period, mandrakes had firmly planted themselves in the lore and practices of witchcraft, symbolizing both healing and danger. These associations were perpetuated in literature and art, further entrenching the plant's mythological status in Western culture.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,314, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.