Definition of "hyssop" []

• A woody Eurasian plant (Hyssopus officinalis) having spikes of small blue flowers and aromatic leaves used in perfumery and as a condiment. (noun)
• Any of several similar or related plants. (noun)
• An unidentified plant mentioned in the Bible as the source of twigs used for sprinkling in certain Hebraic purificatory rites. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Though well known in ancient times, this plant is probably not the one known as hyssop in"
• "The name hyssop was given to a number of different plants in olden times."
• "But it is founded upon gospel-grace: Purge me with hyssop, that is, with the blood of Christ applied to my soul by"