Angelica
|an-ge-li-ca|
/ænˈdʒɛlɪkə/
angel-like; aromatic medicinal herb
Etymology
'Angelica' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'angelica', where Latin 'angelicus' meant 'angelic' (ultimately from Greek 'angelos' meaning 'messenger' or 'angel').
'Angelica' changed from Greek 'angelikos' into Late Latin 'angelica', then entered Medieval/ Middle English usage as 'angelica' and eventually became the modern English 'Angelica'.
Initially it meant 'angelic' or 'of an angel', but over time it came to be used as the name of a genus of aromatic plants (and for the edible/medicinal parts) and as a feminine given name.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a genus of tall biennial and perennial aromatic plants in the family Apiaceae; also used for the edible/medicinal parts of those plants (e.g., Angelica archangelica).
Angelica root is candied and used to decorate cakes, and extracts are used in some liqueurs.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/29 07:09