Hyssop
/ˈhɪs.əp/noun
A fragrant herb of the mint family used historically in ritual cleansing and as a medicinal plant.
Did you know?Hyssop entered English through Hebrew and Greek, and in the Bible it became a symbol of ritual purification—proof that words for plants can carry sacred power.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Hebrew
Heb
’ezōb
“A plant used for ritual purification and cleansing”
Ancient Greek
Grk
hyssōpos
“Hyssop, the aromatic plant”
Latin
Lat
hyssōpum
“Hyssop”
Old French
OF
ysop
“Hyssop”
Middle English
Eng
ysop
“Hyssop; the herb used in ritual and medicine”
Modern English
Eng
hyssop
“A fragrant herb used in cooking, medicine, and religious symbolism”