01 n. A perennial plant of the genus Fæniculum (Fæniculum vulgare), having very finely divided leaves. It is cultivated in gardens for the agree…
-
1.
A perennial plant of the genus Fæniculum (Fæniculum vulgare), having very finely divided leaves. It is cultivated in gardens for the agreeable aromatic flavor of its seeds.(Bot.)“Smell of sweetest fennel.” — Milton.“A sprig of fennel was in fact the theological smelling bottle of the tender sex.” — S. G. Goodrich.
Phrases & compounds
Azorean fennel —
(Fæniculum dulce). It is a smaller and stouter plant than the common fennel, and is used as a pot herb.
Dog's fennel —
(Anthemis Cotula), a foul-smelling European weed; -- called also mayweed.
Fennel flower —
an herb (Nigella) of the Buttercup family, having leaves finely divided, like those of the fennel. Nigella Damascena is common in gardens. Nigella sativa furnishes the fennel seed, used as a condiment, etc., in India. These seeds are the “fitches” mentioned in Isaiah (xxviii. 25).
Fennel water —
the distilled water of fennel seed. It is stimulant and carminative.
Giant fennel —
(Ferula communis), has stems full of pith, which, it is said, were used to carry fire, first, by Prometheus.
Hog's fennel —
a European plant (Peucedanum officinale) looking something like fennel.