aristolochia
|ar-is-to-lo-chi-a|
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/ˌærɪstəˈloʊkiə/
🇬🇧
/ˌærɪstəˈləʊkiə/
genus of 'birthwort' plants (used historically for childbirth)
Etymology
'aristolochia' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'aristolochion', where 'aristo-' meant 'best' and 'lochia' meant 'childbirth'.
'aristolochia' changed from the Greek word 'aristolochion' into New Latin/botanical Latin as 'Aristolochia', and it entered modern English as the scientific genus name 'aristolochia'.
Initially, it meant 'best for childbirth' (used as a remedy in childbirth), but over time it evolved into the modern use as the botanical name for a genus of plants, with an added association to toxicity in some species.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a genus of flowering plants in the birthwort family (Aristolochiaceae), including perennial herbs and woody vines native to temperate and tropical regions; commonly called birthwort or pipevine. Some species have been used in traditional medicine but contain toxic aristolochic acids.
Aristolochia is a genus of flowering plants in the birthwort family; several species are grown as ornamental vines.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/14 22:56