prunella

== English == === Pronunciation === Rhymes: -ɛlə === Etymology 1 === From post-classical Latin prunella, from brunus + -ella, perhaps because of the plant's brown sepals. ==== Noun ==== prunella (plural prunellas) (botany) A member of the genus Prunella of herbaceous plants, the allheals. [from 16th c.] === Etymology 2 === From post-classical Latin prunella, alternation of brunella (“infectious epidemic”), from brunus + -ella. ==== Noun ==== prunella (uncountable) (obsolete, medicine) Any of various diseases characterised by inflammation of the mouth or throat. [17th–18th c.] ===== Derived terms ===== prunella salt sal prunella === Etymology 3 === Probably a variant of prunello, with reference to the colour of the fabric. Compare French prunelle. ==== Noun ==== prunella (uncountable) (now rare, historical) A smooth worsted or silk fabric, generally black, formerly used for making shoes and clergymen's gowns. [from 17th c.] ===== Derived terms ===== leather and prunella