Definition of equisetum in English:
equisetum
Pronunciation /ˌekwəˈsēdəm/ /ˌɛkwəˈsidəm/
nounequiseta, equisetums
Botany
A plant of a genus that comprises the horsetails.
Genus Equisetum, family Equisetaceae
‘Give the child lots of warm herb teas, especially horsetail (equisetum), which cleanses the kidneys.’
- ‘Horsetails or equisetum can be your nightmare if you have recently laid tarmacadam.’
- ‘The pond is planted with equisetum, irises, and other water lovers.’
- ‘The chief of these is equisetum, known as marestail or horsetail, a plant which rapidly chokes fields of soya if not controlled.’
Origin
Modern Latin, from Latin equus ‘horse’ + saeta ‘bristle’.