FOXGLOVE Meaning and
Definition
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Foxglove is a biennial or perennial flowering plant, scientifically known as Digitalis purpurea, belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to Europe, but can also be found in other regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The name "foxglove" is derived from its tubular-shaped flowers, which resemble the fingers of a glove that a fox would wear.
This herbaceous plant is characterized by its distinctive tall, erect stem, which can reach heights of up to six feet. The leaves are soft, hairy, and arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. The flowers of the foxglove bloom in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, purple, white, or yellow, depending on the species. They are arranged in a dense spike-like cluster, with the larger flowers residing at the base.
Aside from its aesthetic value, foxglove is also renowned for its medicinal properties. The plant contains numerous cardiac glycosides, including digitalis, which have been used for centuries in the treatment of heart conditions, specifically in the regulation of irregular heart rhythms and strengthening of the heart muscle. However, it is important to note that the ingestion of foxglove is highly toxic and can cause adverse effects. Therefore, the use of this plant for medicinal purposes should be strictly supervised by healthcare professionals.
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A well-known plant with flowers resembling fingers of a glove, of a purple or white colour: fox-brush, the tail of a fox-usually called the brush: fox-hound, a hound for hunting the fox: foxhunt, the chase or hunting of the fox: fox-hunting, the sport.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for FOXGLOVE
Etymology of FOXGLOVE
The word "foxglove" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the term "foxes glofa", which translates to "glove of the fox". This name was given to the flower due to the belief that foxes would wear the flowers as gloves to protect themselves from predators or aid in their hunting. The reference to a glove relates to the shape of the flower, as its blossoms resemble the fingers of a glove. Over time, "foxes glofa" evolved into "foxglove", which is now the commonly used name for this plant.
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