horsetail

noun

horse·​tail ˈhȯrs-ˌtāl 

: any of a genus (Equisetum of the order Equisetales) of lower tracheophytes comprising perennial, spore-producing plants that spread by creeping rhizomes and have leaves reduced to nodal sheaths on the hollow jointed ribbed shoots

Illustration of horsetail

• 1 vegetative plant
• 2 fertile plant

Examples of horsetail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Horsetail Plant Extract As a nutraceutical (a plant product with medicinal benefits), horsetail may potentially benefit hair loss in people undergoing breast cancer treatment.15 Horsetail is also an ingredient in a hair-growth supplement called Viviscal. —Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Key Ingredients: Marine collagen (derived from shark), iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin C, niacin, calcium, silica, horsetail extract Type: Tablet Size: 60 tablets How to use: One tablet twice daily (after a meal) for three to six months. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2024

Certain supplements, like horsetail and licorice root, may also interact with senna by increasing the chances of low potassium levels.3 Some experts recommend taking senna supplements at least two hours before or after taking other oral medications. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 1 July 2024

It’s formulated with sea buckthorn, dandelion, birch, horsetail and manjistha. —Booth Moore, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

horsetail

noun

horse·​tail ˈhȯr-ˌstāl 

: any of a genus of primitive plants that reproduce by spores instead of by flowers and seeds and have hollow stems and very small leaves resembling scales

called also equisetum, scouring rush