nepenth

ne·penth
N1E1P3E1N1T1H4
UK/nɪˈpɛnθ/US/nəˈpɛnθ/

A form of nepenthes — A drug mentioned in Homer's Odyssey (c. 8th century B.C.E.) as bringing relief from anxiety or grief; hence, any drug or substance seen as bringing welcome forgetfulness or relief.

Scrabble 12

Meanings

nounnepenth (plural nepenths)

plural nepenths

  1. alternativeobsoleterareAlternative form of nepenthes.

    The nepenth of nostalgia is replaced by an amphetamine of anticipation.

    2013, Ogden W[illis] Rogers, “The Tipping Point (or, ‘There She Goes Again …’)”, in Beginnings, Middles, & Ends: Sideways Stories on the Art & Soul of Social Work, Harrisburg, Pa.: White Hat Communications, →ISBN, page 229
    2 more examples

    NEPENTHA′CEÆ, Nepenths, a natural order of Exogenous Plants inhabiting the damper and warmer parts of Asia, and having, in the place of leaves, large hollow bodies furnished with a lid, and containing water secreted from a peculiar glandular apparatus with which they are lined. […] [T]he adherent ovary of Birthworts, their highly developed calyx, axile placentation, and hermaphrodite flowers, are serious difficulties in the way of a close contact between them and Nepenths, unless the peculiar structure of the wood, the consideration of which I for the present abandon, should lead to the final establishment of the class of Homogens, in which case Nepenths and Birthworts will be brought into contact or at least a near neighbourhood.

    1867, “NEPENTHA′CEÆ”, in Charles Knight, editor, Natural History or Second Division of “The English Cyclopædia”, volume III, London: Bradbury, Evans, & Co., 11, Bouverie St., Fleet St., E.C.; New York, N.Y.: Scribner, Welford, & Co., 654, Broadway, →OCLC, column 1080

    Homer of Moly and Nepenthe singes: / Moly, the gods most soveraigne hearbe divine. / Nepenth Hellen's drink, which gladnes brings,— / Hart's greife repells, and doth yᵉ witts refine.

    1876, John Davies, “[Tobacco.]”, in Alexander B[alloch] Grosart, editor, The Complete Poems of Sir John Davies. Edited, with Memorial-Introduction and Notes, by the Rev. Alexander B. Grosart. In Two Volumes (Early English Poets), volume II, London: Chatto and Windus, Piccadilly, →OCLC, page 226

Origin

  1. Latinnēpenthes
  2. Frenchnépenthe
  3. Englishnepenth

From French népenthe, népenthès (“nepenthes”), népente (“a plant from which a drug supposedly bringing relief from grief may be obtained”), or Latin nēpenthes: see further at nepenthes. Compare Italian nepente.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

nepenth. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/nepenth

MLA

“nepenth.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/nepenth. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “nepenth,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/nepenth.

Source: nepenth on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.