cowhage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
very lowtechnical
Quick answer
What does “cowhage” mean?
A tropical leguminous climbing plant (Mucuna pruriens) whose pods are covered with brittle, stinging hairs that cause intense itching.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical leguminous climbing plant (Mucuna pruriens) whose pods are covered with brittle, stinging hairs that cause intense itching.
The dried, stinging hairs from the pods of this plant, historically used in medicine as an anthelmintic and counterirritant. Also used in modern herbalism and supplements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or spelling. The term is equally rare and technical in both variants.
Connotations
None beyond the technical/scientific reference.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; appears mainly in specialist botanical, historical, or alternative medicine texts.
Grammar
How to Use “cowhage” in a Sentence
The N (cowhage) is used for V-ing (treating)N (Hairs) from the cowhage cause N (itching)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potential in contexts of herbal supplement import/export.
Academic
Used in botany, pharmacology, ethnobotany, and history of medicine papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary context. Used in botanical descriptions, pharmacopoeias, and herbal medicine formulations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cowhage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cowhage”
- Misspelling: 'cowage', 'cohage'. Mispronunciation: /kaʊˈheɪdʒ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the brittle hairs on the pods easily embed in skin, causing intense itching and dermatitis.
Historically, the hairs were used as a mechanical anthelmintic (to expel worms) and as a counterirritant. Modern interest focuses on the seeds for their levodopa content, used in managing Parkinson's disease symptoms.
It is pronounced /ˈkaʊɪdʒ/, with the 'h' being silent.
It is highly unlikely, as it is a tropical plant not commonly cultivated as an ornamental due to its irritating properties.
A tropical leguminous climbing plant (Mucuna pruriens) whose pods are covered with brittle, stinging hairs that cause intense itching.
Cowhage is usually technical in register.
Cowhage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A COW might get an ITCH from a HEDGE of cowhage plants.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern usage context for the word 'cowhage'?