noun

comfrey

KUM-free

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Comfrey (noun) means any of several perennial herbs of the genus Symphytum, especially common comfrey. Example: “Gardeners grow comfrey to make a nutrient-rich liquid feed.”

noun

Any of several perennial herbs of the genus Symphytum, especially common comfrey.

"Gardeners grow comfrey to make a nutrient-rich liquid feed."

"Comfrey spreads quickly once established in a border."

"The old herbalist recommended a poultice of comfrey leaves."

How to use comfrey

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA leafy perennial herb traditionally used in remedies and now popular as a garden fertiliser plant.

When to use it

Comfrey is an ordinary, everyday plant name used in both gardening and traditional herbal contexts.

Memory tip

Say KUM-free, stressing the first syllable, and remember the spelling keeps the 'com' start even though it's said as 'kum'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

comfrey leaves comfrey feed common comfrey a patch of comfrey

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “comfrey” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Gardeners grow _____ to make a nutrient-rich liquid feed.

Etymology

Comfrey developed from the Middle English cumfiria, which traces back to a Latin plant name linked to the verb conferveo, meaning to boil together. The name reflects the old use of the plant in remedies believed to help mend broken bones.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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cumfrey

Rhymes for comfrey

key hey bey dey ley grey they joey whey obey prey abbey

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Frequently asked questions

What is comfrey used for?

It is a perennial herb long used in traditional remedies and now popular with gardeners for making liquid plant feed.

Why is comfrey linked to healing bones?

Its Latin-derived name comes from a root meaning to boil together, tied to its old use in preparations believed to help mend bones.

Is comfrey a wild or garden plant?

It grows as a wild perennial herb but is also deliberately cultivated in gardens and allotments.

What is the meaning of comfrey?

"comfrey" (noun) means any of several perennial herbs of the genus Symphytum, especially common comfrey.