hyssop
UK[ˈhɪsəp]US[ˈhɪsəp]
n
A small bushy aromatic plant of the mint family, with blue flowers and bitter leaves, used in herbal medicine and formerly in religious rites.
Etymology
The word "hyssop" has traveled a long path into English, preserving its core identity as a specific plant name. Its ultimate origin lies in the ancient Semitic languages, likely Hebrew 'ēzōb, referring to a plant used for ritual purification. The Greeks adopted it as hyssōpos, and the Romans later borrowed it as hyssōpus. Entering Middle English via Old French and Latin, the spelling stabilized to "hyssop." While its botanical identity in ancient texts is sometimes debated, the word's journey perfectly illustrates how a culturally and ritually significant plant name can be transmitted across languages with minimal change to its form.
Analysis
The word "hyssop" is a simplex loanword. It entered English from Latin hyssōpus, which came from Greek hyssōpos, itself likely a borrowing from a Semitic source (compare Hebrew 'ēzōb).
Examples
The recipe calls for a sprig of fresh hyssop to infuse the syrup.
In biblical times, hyssop was used in ceremonial sprinkling.
She grows hyssop in her herb garden for its medicinal properties and to attract bees.