mistletoe

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an evergreen plant that grows parasitically on trees and bears white berries

   Mistletoe drew water and minerals from the branch of the old apple tree.

2. 2
   noun

   a sprig of this plant traditionally used as a Christmas decoration beneath which people may kiss

   They hung mistletoe above the doorway before the holiday party.

From Old English misteltan, formed from mistel, 'mistletoe,' + tan, 'twig or shoot.' Later speakers mistook the second element for toe, producing the modern spelling. The plant's sticky berries help its seeds adhere to host branches.

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