See Also: hyssop(medicine)
hyssop(dictionary)
hyssop(encyclopedia)
Hyssop(recipes)

hyssop (iou)



hyssop noun.
[Old English (h)ysope, reinforced in Middle English by Old French ysope, isope, later assim. to the source, Latin hyssopus, -um from Greek hussopos, -on, of Semitic origin (cf. Hebrew 'ezo).]
An aromatic bitter-tasting labiate herb, Hyssopus officinalis, native to the Mediterranean region, with spikes of small blue flowers. OE.
b. With specifying word: any of various plants of the Labiatae and allied families thought to resemble hyssop. L16.
giant hyssop any of various tall labiate plants of the Asian and N. American genus Agastache. hedge-hyssop: see HEDGE noun. water hyssop a tropical aquatic plant, Bacopa monnieri, of the figwort family.
In biblical translations and allusions: a low-growing plant of uncertain identity, the twigs of which were used by the Hebrews for sprinkling in ritual purification; a bundle of these twigs. OE.
Bible (AV): Psalms 51:7 Purge me with hyssope, and I shal be cleane.
b. A holy-water sprinkler. M19.