alecost: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical/Botanical
Quick answer
What does “alecost” mean?
A plant, Tanacetum balsamita, also known as costmary or bible leaf.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A plant, Tanacetum balsamita, also known as costmary or bible leaf.
An aromatic herb of the daisy family, historically used for flavouring ale and in traditional medicine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally obscure in both varieties. Slight preference for 'costmary' in modern British gardening contexts.
Connotations
Historical, quaint, associated with traditional ale-brewing or cottage gardens.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech or writing in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “alecost” in a Sentence
The [noun] was used for [purpose].A patch of [noun] grew.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alecost” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The alecost leaves were dried for storage.
American English
- They planted an alecost herb in the colonial garden.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[Not applicable]
Academic
Used in historical botany or food history papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Found in botanical texts and specialist herb gardening guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alecost”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alecost”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alecost”
- Spelling as 'alecast' or 'alecostt'.
- Assuming it is a modern culinary herb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an historical ingredient largely replaced by hops for both flavour and preservative qualities.
Yes, it is sold as 'costmary' or 'bible leaf' by specialist herb nurseries and seed companies for ornamental or historical garden use.
It is described as having a balsamic, minty, or slightly camphorous aroma.
The fragrant leaves were used as bookmarks in Bibles and prayer books, scenting the pages.
A plant, Tanacetum balsamita, also known as costmary or bible leaf.
Alecost is usually historical/botanical in register.
Alecost: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeɪlkɒst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈeɪlkɑːst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ale' + 'cost' – an herb that once went into ale, costing less than other flavourings.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIVING RELIC (of brewing history)
Practice
Quiz
What is 'alecost' primarily known as?