pipsissewa

noun

pip·​sis·​se·​wa pip-ˈsi-sə-ˌwȯ 

: any of a genus (Chimaphila, especially C. umbellata) of evergreen herbs of the heath family with astringent leaves used as a tonic and diuretic

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Eastern Abenaki kpi-psk^wáhsawe, literally, flower of the woods

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

pipsissewa

noun

pip·​sis·​se·​wa pip-ˈsis-ə-ˌwȯ 

: any of a genus (Chimaphila, especially C. umbellata) of evergreen herbs of the wintergreen family (Pyrolaceae) with astringent leaves used as a tonic and diuretic