Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Burnet

(Science: botany) a genus of perennial herbs (Poterium); especially, P.Sanguisorba, the common, or garden, burnet.

(Science: zoology) burnet moth, in England, a handsome moth (Zygaena filipendula), with crimson spots on the wings. Burnet saxifrage.

(Science: botany) see saxifrage. Canadian burnet, a marsh plant (Poterium Canadensis). Great burnet, wild burnet, Poterium (or Sanguisorba) oficinalis.

Origin: oe. Burnet burnet; also, brownish (the plant perh. Being named from its colour), fr. F. Brunet, dim. Of brun brown; cf. OF. Brunete a sort of flower. See Brunette.