rue-anemone
|rue-an-e-mo-ne|
/ruːəˈnɛməni/
a small spring wildflower
Etymology
'rue-anemone' is a compound formed in English from 'rue' and 'anemone'. 'Rue' ultimately comes from Old English rū (the plant Ruta, known for its scent), and 'anemone' comes from Latin via Greek 'anemōnē', where the Greek root 'anemos' meant 'wind'.
'rue' is from Old English rū (referring to the herb rue). 'anemone' entered English from Latin/Old French based on Greek 'anemōnē'. The compound 'rue-anemone' developed in modern English as a common name for Anemonella thalictroides.
Originally the parts referred to two separate plants ('rue' and 'anemone'); over time the compound came to denote a specific small wildflower (Anemonella thalictroides) whose flowers resemble those of anemones.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small spring-blooming woodland wildflower (Anemonella thalictroides) with delicate white to pale pink flowers that resemble those of anemones.
In early April the shady path was dotted with clusters of rue-anemone.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/27 10:37