Mandrake: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฟ
mandrake
[ หmรฆnหdreษชk ]
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.
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:
๐ต๐น mandrรกgora
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเคเคฆเฅเคฐเค
๐ฉ๐ช Mandragora
๐ฎ๐ฉ mandrake
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะฐะฝะดัะฐะณะพัะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ mandragora
๐ฏ๐ต ใใณใใฌใคใฏ
๐ซ๐ท mandragore
๐ช๐ธ mandrรกgora
๐น๐ท mandrake
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ง๋๋ ์ดํฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุงูุฏุฑููุง
๐จ๐ฟ mandragora
๐ธ๐ฐ mandragora
๐จ๐ณ ๆผๅพทๆ่
๐ธ๐ฎ mandragora
๐ฎ๐ธ mandrake
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะฐะฝะดัะฐะณะพัะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแ แแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mandrake
๐ฒ๐ฝ mandrรกgora
Etymology
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.