Definition

A type of plant known as foxglove, which is used to make a medicine that helps the heart.

Example

The doctor prescribed digitalis to help improve the patient's heart function.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of digitalis?

Yeah, it's that plant used for heart problems, right?

Exactly! I read that it's derived from the foxglove plant.

That's interesting; I didn't know it had such a strong effect on the heart.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Digitalis → The word is derived from the Latin "digitus" (meaning finger) and the suffix "-alis" (meaning pertaining to). The term refers to the plant's finger-like flowers, which resemble fingers, hence the name.

Memory Tip

Imagine the flowers of the digitalis plant looking like 'fingers' ('digitus') — this helps you remember that digitalis refers to a plant with finger-like blooms.

Visually Confused Words