Mistletoe

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈmɪsÉ™ltəʊ/

Origin

Old English misteltān, from mistel ‘mistletoe’ + tān ‘twig’. Compare mistle.

Full definition of mistletoe

Noun

1. Any of several parasitic evergreen plants with white berries that grow in the crowns of oaks, apple trees and other trees.
2. A sprig of these plants used as a Christmas decoration.

Usage notes

The term mistletoe is used for both (European mistletoe) and (eastern mistletoe).

Derived terms

• mistletoebird