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Wintergreen: meaning, definitions and examples

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wintergreen

 

[ ˈwɪntərˌɡrin ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

plant type

Wintergreen refers to a group of plants, primarily in the family Ericaceae, that remain green throughout the winter. Often characterized by their aromatic leaves and edible berries, these plants are commonly found in North America and Asia. The term is also used to describe the flavor derived from these plants, which is often used in candies and medicinal products.

Synonyms

checkerberry, teaberry

Examples of usage

  • I picked some wintergreen leaves for a refreshing tea.
  • The wintergreen flavor in the gum is very strong.
  • They used wintergreen oil for its soothing properties.
  • We spotted a wintergreen plant on our hike.

Translations

Translations of the word "wintergreen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 menta-pimenta

🇮🇳 सर्दियों की हरी पत्तियाँ

🇩🇪 Wintergrün

🇮🇩 daun musim dingin

🇺🇦 зимолюбка

🇵🇱 zieleń zimowa

🇯🇵 ウィンターグリーン

🇫🇷 wintergreen

🇪🇸 menta de invierno

🇹🇷 kış yeşili

🇰🇷 겨울녹색

🇸🇦 الأخضر الشتوي

🇨🇿 zimozelen

🇸🇰 zimná zeleň

🇨🇳 冬青

🇸🇮 zimska zelena

🇮🇸 vetrargræna

🇰🇿 қысқы жасыл

🇬🇪 ზამთრის მწვანე

🇦🇿 qış yaşıllığı

🇲🇽 menta de invierno

Etymology

The term 'wintergreen' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the combination of 'winter' and 'green'. This terminology reflects the characteristic of certain plants that retain their foliage during the cold winter months, providing a 'green' appearance at a time when other vegetation is dormant. The name is particularly associated with plants such as Gaultheria procumbens, commonly known as eastern teaberry or wintergreen, which has been historically used for its medicinal properties and flavoring agents. Furthermore, the term has transcended its botanical roots to encompass the flavor and aroma extracted from these plants, leading to its common use in products like essential oils, candy, and gum. Additionally, wintergreen plants have been used by indigenous peoples for various purposes, including food and traditional medicine, influencing how the term is perceived across cultures.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,882 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.