[wich hey-zuh
l] 
| 1. | a shrub, Hamamelis virginiana, of eastern North America, having toothed, egg-shaped leaves and small, yellow flowers. Compare witch hazel family. |
| 2. | a liquid extraction from the leaves or bark of this plant mixed with water and alcohol, used externally as a liniment for inflammations and bruises and as an astringent. |
witch hazel n.
Any of several deciduous shrubs or small trees of the genus Hamamelis, especially H. virginiana, of eastern North America, having yellow flowers that bloom in late autumn or winter.
An alcoholic solution containing an extract of the bark and leaves of this plant, applied externally as a mild astringent.