bistort

Noun

bis=tort

CIDE DICTIONARY

bistort, n. [L. bis + tortus, p. p. of torquere to twist: cf. F. bistorte.].

An herbaceous plant of the genus Polygonum, section Bistorta; snakeweed; adderwort. Its root is used in medicine as an astringent. [1913 Webster]

bistort, n. a herb, Polygonum bistorta, with a twisted root and a cylindrical spike of flesh-coloured flowers.

Etymology

F bistorte or med.L bistorta f. bis twice + torta fem. past part. of torquere twist