hogweed
nounEtymology From hog + weed, so named because of its use as feed for pigs.
1
Any coarse weedy herb.
2
An umbelliferous plant, of genus Heracleum, most species of which are phototoxic.
- “I will bewitch them with flea-bane, blister them with hog-weed,” he said, vainly looking for a suitable spell.1970, Richard Carpenter, Catweazle, Harmondsworth: Puffin Books, page 119:
- I see the tall not-weeds with white flowers up close. Don’t touch, don’t touch those. Hogweed, it will burn.2023, K Patrick, Mrs S, 4th Estate, page 69:
3
Certain plants from the genera Ambrosia, Erigeron, or Heracleum.
- Derived terms
- giant hogweed