stinking chamomile: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialist/botanical)Formal/Botanical, Literary (when used metaphorically)
Quick answer
What does “stinking chamomile” mean?
A common wild plant (Anthemis cotula) resembling true chamomile but with a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common wild plant (Anthemis cotula) resembling true chamomile but with a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed; often considered a weed.
May be used metaphorically to describe something or someone that appears harmless or beneficial on the surface but is actually foul, unpleasant, or deceptive in nature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but is more likely to be known in rural or gardening contexts. No significant lexical difference, though regional common names like 'mayweed' or 'dog's fennel' might be preferred in casual speech.
Connotations
Neutral in botanical context. Potentially pejorative or vivid in metaphorical use.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. More likely encountered in gardening manuals, botanical guides, or historical/literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “stinking chamomile” in a Sentence
The [field/garden] was infested with STINKING CHAMOMILE.They mistook the STINKING CHAMOMILE for the medicinal herb.The STINKING CHAMOMILE grew along the roadside.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stinking chamomile” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The stinking chamomile had taken over the allotment.
- One key identifier for stinking chamomile is its hairless, leafy stems.
American English
- Stinking chamomile is a problem in pastureland.
- She pulled up the stinking chamomile by its roots.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in botany, agriculture, and ecology texts to describe a specific invasive or nuisance plant species.
Everyday
Virtually unused in casual conversation unless discussing gardening or wild plants.
Technical
Precise taxonomic designation; used in agricultural extension publications regarding weed control.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stinking chamomile”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stinking chamomile”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stinking chamomile”
- Confusing it with 'pineapple weed' (which is scentless) or true chamomile.
- Using 'stinking chamomile' as a general term for any strong-smelling weed.
- Misspelling as 'stinking camomile' (alternate valid spelling).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not used for tea. Unlike true chamomile, it has an unpleasant smell and taste and can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
It is not considered highly toxic, but it can cause skin irritation (dermatitis) upon contact and may cause mild stomach upset if ingested by livestock or humans. It is primarily a nuisance weed.
They are often used interchangeably for Anthemis cotula. However, 'mayweed' can sometimes refer to a few similar-looking plants in the daisy family, while 'stinking chamomile' is more specific to this foul-smelling species.
It belongs to the same family (Asteraceae) and has a very similar flower structure to true chamomiles, hence the name. The 'stinking' modifier was added to differentiate it based on its most notable characteristic.
A common wild plant (Anthemis cotula) resembling true chamomile but with a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed.
Stinking chamomile is usually formal/botanical, literary (when used metaphorically) in register.
Stinking chamomile: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋkɪŋ ˈkæməmaɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋkɪŋ ˈkæməˌmaɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as rare as) a fragrant stinking chamomile (oxymoronic for something impossible)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a charming little chamomile flower, but when you pick it for tea, it gives off a STINK—it's the STINKING chamomile.
Conceptual Metaphor
APPEARANCE VS REALITY (Something that looks innocent/helpful but is actually foul/deceptive).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature of 'stinking chamomile'?