pimpernel
Syllabification: (pim·per·nel)
Pronunciation: /ˈpimpərˌnel, -pərnəl/
Definition of pimpernel
noun
- a small plant of the primrose family, with creeping stems and flat five-petaled flowers.
- Genera Anagallis and Lysimachia, family Primulaceae: several species, in particular the scarlet pimpernel
Origin:
late Middle English (denoting the burnet): from Old French pimpernelle, based on Latin piper 'pepper' (because of the resemblance of the burnet's fruit to a peppercorn)