Swallowwort
/ˈswɒləʊwɜːrt/noun
A plant known by this name, especially greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) or white swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum hirundinaria).
Did you know?Greater celandine was associated with swallows because Greek and Roman writers claimed the birds used its sap to restore sight to their young, though this belief has no scientific basis.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel- / *welw-
“A proposed Indo-European root associated with the name of the swallow; the exact reconstruction is debated.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χελιδών (khelidōn)
“Swallow, the bird; the plant name for celandine was connected with this word.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χελιδόνιον (khelidónion)
“Celandine, literally a plant associated with the swallow.”
Classical Latin
Latin
chelīdōnium
“Celandine; a borrowing from Greek, retaining the association with swallows.”
Middle English
English
swalwe-wort
“A compound name meaning “swallow plant,” using swallow plus wort, an old word for a herb or plant.”
Modern English
English
swallowwort
“A common name applied to several plants, especially greater celandine and white swallow-wort.”