camomile
UK[ˈkæməmaɪl]US[ˈkæməˌmaɪl]
n
A small plant with white and yellow flowers that are often used to make a herbal tea.
Etymology
The word 'camomile' has a long journey from the earth to the teacup. It originates from the Greek 'khamaimēlon', a compound literally meaning "earth apple," from 'khamai' (on the ground) and 'mēlon' (apple), likely describing the plant's low-growing habit and the apple-like scent of its flowers. This term passed into Latin as 'chamomilla' and later into Old French as 'camomille'. English adopted the word from French in the medieval period. The modern spelling 'camomile' preserves this history, directly connecting the fragrant herb we know today to the ancient Greek description of it as a ground-hugging plant with a fruity fragrance.
Analysis
This word is a simplex loanword. Its spelling and form were borrowed as a whole from French, which in turn adapted it from Latin. The Latin word was itself borrowed from Greek.
Examples
A cup of camomile tea before bed can help you relax.
The field was dotted with the small, daisy-like flowers of camomile.
She uses camomile extract in her homemade skin cream for its soothing properties.