cochlearia officinalis

2 definitions found

cochlearia officinalis - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Scurvy \Scur"vy\, n. [Probably from the same source as scorbute,
     but influenced by scurf, scurfy, scurvy, adj.; cf. D.
     scheurbuik scurvy, G. scharbock, LL. scorbutus. Cf.
     Scorbute.] (Med.)
     A disease characterized by livid spots, especially about the
     thighs and legs, due to extravasation of blood, and by spongy
     gums, and bleeding from almost all the mucous membranes. It
     is accompanied by paleness, languor, depression, and general
     debility. It is occasioned by confinement, innutritious food,
     and hard labor, but especially by lack of fresh vegetable
     food, or confinement for a long time to a limited range of
     food, which is incapable of repairing the waste of the
     system. It was formerly prevalent among sailors and soldiers.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Scurvy grass [Scurvy + grass; or cf. Icel. skarfak[=a]l
        scurvy grass.] (Bot.) A kind of cress (Cochlearia  officinalis
        ) growing along the seacoast of Northern
        Europe and in arctic regions. It is a remedy for the
        scurvy, and has proved a valuable food to arctic
        explorers. The name is given also to other allied species
        of plants.
        [1913 Webster]

cochlearia officinalis - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  Cochlearia officinalis
      n 1: a widely distributed Arctic cress reputed to have value in
           treatment or prevention of scurvy; a concentrated source of
           vitamin C [syn: scurvy grass, common scurvy grass,
           Cochlearia officinalis]