witch hazel
nounEtymology See Middle English wiche, from Old English wiċe (“wych elm or rowan”), perhaps derived from the root of wīcan (“to give way”). Folk etymology refers to use by witches and other sorcerers of folkish magic using the plant in potions; however, compare German Zaubernuss (“witch hazel”, literally “magic nut”).
› Any of several small deciduous trees, of the…
1
US Hamamelis virginiana, native to eastern North America.
2
US Hamamelis vernalis, native to the Ozarks.
3
An extract of the bark and/or leaves of this plant, used as an astringent
4
Obsolete A wych-elm, or a certain subspecies of it distinguished from wych-elm.
5
Essex, Obsolete Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).
- Derived terms
- witch-hazel cone gall aphid