{i} soft-stemmed plant which dies down at the end of a growing season; any of a number of plants which are used for medicinal purposes or as a seasoning for food
n (L herba, green crop) any seed plant whose stem withers away to the ground after each season's growth; a seed plant with a green, non-woody stem
A plant without persistent woody stem, at least above ground (Munz, 1965) 1 A plant with a fleshy stem as distinguished from the woody tissue of shrubs and trees and that generally dies back at the end of each growing season (Webster)
A plant that has no woody tissue and that dies down to the ground at the end of a growing season
aromatic potherb used in cookery for its savory qualities a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests
a plant used for seasoning, medicinal, aromatic or general household uses Includes both perennials and annuals
A plant whose stem does not become woody and permanent, but dies, at least down to the ground, after flowering
half of the eight examples are linked to preparations for a special occasion or distinctive figure, as when attendants enter "with herbs and perfumes" (Quarto Every Man Out, 1394, also Folio 2 4 23), "strewing herbs" (Ram Alley, H4r), or simply "with herbs" (Q1 Romeo and Juliet, I1r, 4 4 0); elsewhere herbs are used by the title figure of Faithful Shepherdess who enters "sorting of herbs, and telling the natures of them" (388), a starving Jack Cade who "lies down picking of herbs and eating them" (Quarto 2 Henry VI, G4r, 4 10 15), a disguised devil who cures Honorea's muteness when "he strains the juice of the Herb into" a cup of wine (Grim the Collier, G7v); a confrontation in Valiant Welshman provides a magical herb: "Enter the Serpent Caradoc shows the herb The Serpent flies into the Temple" (G1r); see also rosemary
A plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities For example, chamomile is very soothing to the skin, peppermint has a scent that is extremely refreshing, and geranium oil kills bacteria Also see Herb List