Chelidonia
/ˌkɛlɪˈdoʊniə/noun
A name used in botany and historical herbalism for celandine or related plants, especially the greater celandine.
Did you know?Chelidonia comes from Greek chelidōn, meaning “swallow,” because ancient writers believed the plant bloomed when swallows arrived and faded when they left.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
chelidṓn / chelidónios
““swallow”; later used in plant names associated with swallows”
Late Greek
Greek
chelidónion
“A plant name, especially for celandine or related herbs”
Medieval Latin
Latin
chelidonia
“A learned botanical and medicinal name for celandine”
Middle English / Early Modern English
English
chelidonie / chelidonia
“A herbal or botanical name used in learned and medical contexts”
Modern English
English
chelidonia
“A rare botanical or historical term for celandine-related plants”
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