costmary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / ArchaicSpecialized / Historical / Botanical
Quick answer
What does “costmary” mean?
A perennial herb (Tanacetum balsamita) with aromatic leaves, historically used for flavoring, in ale, and as a strewing herb.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A perennial herb (Tanacetum balsamita) with aromatic leaves, historically used for flavoring, in ale, and as a strewing herb.
A plant associated with historical medicinal and culinary uses, and sometimes used symbolically or ornamentally in gardens.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in reference; the term is equally rare and historical in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes historical, cottage-garden, or apothecary contexts. May be slightly more recognized in the UK due to stronger historical gardening traditions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK gardening or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “costmary” in a Sentence
to grow costmaryto use costmary inthe costmary is aVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “costmary” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The recipe suggested to costmary the ale for a subtle flavour.
American English
- They would costmary the brew to add a minty note.
adverb
British English
- The room was strewn costmary, releasing its scent.
American English
- The ale was flavored costmary, a traditional method.
adjective
British English
- The costmary plant was thriving in the herbaceous border.
American English
- She prepared a costmary-infused vinegar.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, botanical, or ethnobotanical research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Used by specialist gardeners or historical re-enactors.
Technical
Used as a precise botanical name (Tanacetum balsamita) or in historical pharmacology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “costmary”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “costmary”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “costmary”
- Spelling: 'costmary' (correct) vs. 'costmary' (common misspelling).
- Confusing it with costus (a different plant) or comfrey.
- Using it as a common noun for any herb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is very rarely used, primarily by historical re-enactors, specialist herb gardeners, or in niche herbalism.
The leaves are aromatic and were historically used in small amounts for flavoring, but it is not a common culinary herb today. Consult an expert before consumption.
Its sweet-smelling leaves were traditionally used as bookmarks in Bibles and prayer books.
It is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it relatively easy to grow in suitable conditions.
A perennial herb (Tanacetum balsamita) with aromatic leaves, historically used for flavoring, in ale, and as a strewing herb.
Costmary is usually specialized / historical / botanical in register.
Costmary: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒstˌmɛəri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːstˌmɛri/ (also /ˈkɑːst-/). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the COST of a MARigold? No—but it's a historical herb with a 'costly' or precious aroma, once 'mary' or common.
Conceptual Metaphor
HERB AS A RELIC OF THE PAST / AROMATIC PLANT AS A TIME CAPSULE.
Practice
Quiz
What is a common historical use for costmary?