The word 'smallage' is pronounced as /ˈsmælɪdʒ/ and comes from the Old French word 'esmelage', meaning 'herbage'. This word is commonly used to refer to a type of wild celery found in Europe and Asia. The spelling of the word may seem unusual, but it follows the typical English spelling patterns for words with the 'al' sound, as in 'riv al ry' and ' fin al ly'. Despite its uncommon use, smallage is a valid and recognized word in the English language.
Smallage is a noun that refers to a biennial herb, also known as wild celery or Apium graveolens, that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe and commonly found in damp meadows, riverbanks, and marshes. The plant can grow up to four feet tall and has hollow, ridged stems. Its leaves are deeply lobed and pinnately compound with oval-shaped leaflets. The small yellow flowers grow in compound umbels, and the plant produces small, ribbed, and aromatic seeds.
In addition to its botanical characteristics, smallage also holds culinary and medicinal value. Its leaves have a slightly bitter taste and can be used as a seasoning or garnish in various dishes, similar to celery. Furthermore, smallage has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its diuretic, digestive, and mild sedative properties. It has been employed to treat ailments such as urinary tract infections, arthritis, and indigestion.
The term "smallage" can also be used in a more general sense to describe any small or negligible amount. It implies something that is insignificant or irrelevant. The usage of this term has gradually diminished in modern language, although it can still occasionally be found in literature or historical references.
The word "smallage" originated from the Middle English term "smalage", which came from the Old French word "smalage" or "esmalage". This Old French term ultimately traces back to the Latin word "pastinaca", meaning "parsnip". In the context of smallage, it refers to a plant known scientifically as Aethusa cynapium, which is a type of herb also called wild celery or fool's parsley. The word "smallage" is primarily used to refer to this specific plant.