n :  any of various parasitic or semiparasitic plants (family Loranthaceae, the mistletoe family) that have thick leathery mostly opposite and sometimes scaly leaves and include some formerly used in preparations with oxytocic, antispasmodic, or heart-stimulating properties: as  a  :  a European semiparasitic green shrub (Viscum album) having somewhat poisonous leaves, stems, and waxy-white glutinous berries that have been used in folk medicine  b  :  any of various American plants (genus Phoradendron and esp. P. serotinum syn. P. flavescens) resembling the true mistletoe of Europe .
 
 chiefly Brit   
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.