ARNICA

ar·ni·ca   (är'nĭ-kə)    n.   Any of various perennial herbs of the genus Arnica in the composite family, having opposite, simple leaves and mostly radiate heads of yellow flowers. A tincture of the dried flower heads of the European species A. montana, applied externally to reduce the pain and inflammation of bruises and sprains. [New Latin Arnica, genus name.]

Main Entry: ar·ni·ca
Pronunciation: 'är-ni-k&
Function: noun
1 a capitalized : a large genus of herbs of the familyCompositae having opposite leaves and flower heads that are discoid or have bright yellow rays b : a plant of the genus Arnica
2 a : the dried flower headof any of several herbs of the genus Arnica (especially A. montana) used for stimulant and local irritant effect especially in the form of a liniment for bruises, sprains, and swellings b : a tincture made from arnica