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samphire

Syllabification: (sam·phire)
Pronunciation: /ˈsamˌfīr/
Definition of samphire

noun

  • 1 (also rock samphire) a European plant of the parsley family that grows on rocks and cliffs by the sea. Its aromatic, fleshy leaves were formerly much used in pickles.
    • Crithmum maritimum, family Umbelliferae
  • 2 (also marsh samphire)another term for glasswort.

Origin:

mid 16th century (earlier as sampiere): from French (herbe de) Saint Pierre 'St. Peter(’s herb)'

samphire in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of samphire in the British & World English dictionary

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