artemisia

noun ar·te·mi·sia \ˌär-tə-ˈmi-zh(ē-)ə, -zē-ə\

Definition of ARTEMISIA

: any of a genus (Artemisia) of aromatic composite herbs and shrubs (as sagebrush) — compare wormwood 1

Origin of ARTEMISIA

New Latin, from Latin, artemisia, from Greek, wormwood

First Known Use: 14th century

Medical Dictionary

artemisia

noun ar·te·mis·ia \ˌärt-ə-ˈmizh(-ē)-ə, -ˈmē-zh(ē-)ə, -ˈmiz-ē-ə\

Medical Definition of ARTEMISIA

capitalized : a genus of composite shrubs and herbs (as the sagebrushes and santonicas) that have strongly scented foliage and small rayless flower heads

: any plant of the genus Artemisia

Biographical Note for ARTEMISIA

Ar·te·mis, \ˈärt-ə-məs,\ Greek mythological character. Artemis was the Greek goddess of the hunt, wild animals, and the forest. She was identified with the Roman goddess Diana. Artemis was also worshiped as a goddess of chastity and childbirth. The genus Artemisia of composite plants was named after her, and a plant of this genus was formerly used to promote menstruation.