👉 Any of the genus Rumex of coarse weedy plants with small green flowers related to buckwheat, especially common dock, and used as potherbs and in folk medicine, especially in curing nettle rash.
Alright class, settle down now, let’s take a look at this word! “Dock,” you see, is quite a fascinating thing. The dictionary gives us a good little clue, don't you think? It tells us it’s a plant, a coarse one too – that means a bit rough and prickly, I’m afraid! It belongs to the Rumex genus, which is like a family of plants. And specifically, we’re talking about the common dock – you might recognize its leaves! They're quite leafy, aren't they? These docks have small green flowers, similar in some ways to buckwheat, but don't let that fool you, they’ve been used for a long time! Historically, people have eaten them as potherbs – basically, a type of vegetable. And even more interestingly, folks have used them in folk medicine. Now, this is important: they’re particularly known for helping with nettle rash! So if you've been stung and feeling itchy, the dock might just be your friend. So to recap: "Dock" means a plant – specifically a coarse one like the common dock - that has been used both as food and in traditional remedies. Do you have any questions about this word? Don’t hesitate to raise your hand!
