arnica
UK[ˈɑːnɪkə]US[ˈɑːrnɪkə]
n
A plant of the daisy family that has yellow flowers and is used in herbal medicine.
n
A medicine made from the arnica plant, applied to the skin to treat bruises and inflammation.
Etymology
The word 'arnica' entered English in the mid-18th century, borrowed directly from Modern Latin. The Latin term itself is of uncertain origin, but it is widely believed to be a corruption of a word from a pre-Latin Alpine language. The most plausible theory connects it to the Greek word 'ptarmikē', meaning 'sneeze-inducing plant', which itself derives from 'ptarnein', 'to sneeze'. This etymological journey reflects the plant's traditional medicinal use and its characteristic of causing sneezing when its dried leaves are inhaled. Over time, the primary association shifted from its irritant property to its valued application as a topical treatment for bruises and muscle pain.
Analysis
The word 'arnica' is a simplex loanword. It does not contain separable morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
She applied arnica gel to the bruise on her knee.
Arnica montana is a species commonly used in homeopathic remedies.
Many hikers carry arnica cream in their first-aid kits for minor injuries.