Pronunciation: [hˈɛðə] (IPA) 
The word "heather" is spelled with the letters H-E-A-T-H-E-R. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /ˈhɛðər/. The first sound is a voiced dental fricative /ð/, followed by a short e vowel /ɛ/. The next sound is a voiceless dental fricative /θ/, followed by the schwa sound /ə/. The final sound is an alveolar flap /ɾ/. Heather is a type of small shrub with pink or purple flowers, commonly found in moorlands and heathlands.
Heather is a noun that refers to a small shrub with evergreen leaves and typically delicate mauve or pink flowers. It belongs to the Ericaceae family, which also includes plants like blueberries and rhododendrons. Heather is native to Northern and Western Europe, and is particularly prevalent in Scotland, where it is considered a national emblem.
The heather plant is low-growing, reaching heights of only about 20-70 centimeters (8-28 inches). It thrives in acidic, well-drained soils and is often found on heaths, moors, and woodlands. The leaves are often needle-like and arranged in dense clusters or whorls on the stems.
The flowers of heather are typically bell-shaped and appear in clusters, covering the plant from late summer to early autumn. They come in various shades, including pink, purple, white, and sometimes even red. These flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making heather an important part of the ecosystem.
While heather is primarily known for its ornamental value, it has also been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Its leaves were believed to have diuretic, astringent, and antiseptic properties, and they were often used to make herbal teas or poultices to soothe various ailments.
Overall, heather is a versatile plant valued for its beauty, ecological significance, and historical uses, making it a cherished symbol of Scotland and a popular choice in garden landscapes.
In Scot., the common name for heath.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "heather" has its origins in Old English and Middle English. It can be traced back to the Old English word "hæddre", which evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "hatharaz". This Proto-Germanic word ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "kadh-", meaning "bright" or "clear". The evolution of "hæddre" to "heather" occurred during the Middle English period. The word originally referred to the plant known as heather or Calluna vulgaris, which is native to the moorlands and heaths of Northern Europe. The plant's name was subsequently used as a given name, particularly in Scotland, and eventually became a surname as well.
