horse chestnut

horse chestnut


horse chestnut  

n.  
  1. Any of several trees of the genus Aesculus, especially the European species A. hippocastanum, having opposite, palmately compound leaves, erect clusters of white flowers tinged with red or yellow, and spiny or smooth capsules containing large shiny brown seeds.

  2. The seed of any of these plants.


[Perhaps from a former use to cure cough in horses.]
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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