What is "mistletoe"

Mistletoe \Mis"tle*toe\, n. [AS. mistelt[=a]n; mistel mistletoe + t[=a]n twig. AS. mistel is akin of D., G., Dan. & Sw. mistel, OHG. mistil, Icel. mistilteinn; and AS. t[=a]n to D. teen, OHG. zein, Icel. teinn, Goth. tains. Cf. Missel.] (Bot.) A parasitic evergreen plant of Europe ( Viscum album), bearing a glutinous fruit. When found upon the oak, where it is rare, it was an object of superstitious regard among the Druids. A bird lime is prepared from its fruit. [Written also misletoe, misseltoe, and mistleto.]
--Lindley.
--Loudon.

Note: The mistletoe of the United States is Phoradendron serotinum (syn. Phoradendron flavescens), having broader leaves than the European kind. In different regions various similar plants are called by this name. The mistletoe is used as a decoration at Christmas time, and it is a tradition that two persons of the oposite sex finding each other under a mistletoe sprig should kiss.

Old English mistiltan, from mistel "mistletoe" (see missel) + tan "twig." Similar formation in Old Norse mistilteinn, Norwegian misteltein, Danish mistelten. The second element is cognate with Old Saxon and Old Frisian ten, Old Norse teinn, Dutch teen, Old High German zein, Gothic tains "twig." Venerated by the Druids; the custom of hanging it at Christmas and kissing under it is mentioned by Washington Irving.

n. 1 Any of several hemiparasitic evergreen plants with white berry that grow in the crowns of oaks, apple trees and other trees. 2 A sprig of these plants used as a Christmas decoration.

1. n. American plants closely resembling Old World mistletoe [syn: false mistletoe]

2. Old World parasitic shrub having branching greenish stems with leathery leaves and waxy white glutinous berries; the traditional mistletoe of Christmas [syn: Viscum album, Old World mistletoe]

3. shrub of central and southeastern Europe; partially parasitic on beeches, chestnuts and oaks [syn: Loranthus europaeus]

Mistletoe is the common name for most obligate hemiparasitic plants in the order Santalales. Mistletoes attach to and penetrate the branches of a tree or shrub by a structure called the haustorium, through which they absorb water and nutrients from the host plant.

The name mistletoe originally referred to the species Viscum album (European mistletoe, of the family Santalaceae in the order Santalales); it was the only species native to Great Britain and much of Europe. A separate species, Viscum cruciatum, occurs in Southwest Spain and Southern Portugal, as well as North Africa, Australia and Asia.

Over the centuries, the term has been broadened to include many other species of parasitic plants with similar habits, found in other parts of the world, that are classified in different genera and even families — such as the Misodendraceae and the Loranthaceae.

In particular, the Eastern mistletoe native to North America, Phoradendron leucarpum, belongs to a distinct genus of the Santalaceae family. The genus Viscum is not native to North America, but Viscum album has been introduced to California. European mistletoe has smooth-edged, oval, evergreen leaves borne in pairs along the woody stem, and waxy, white berries that it bears in clusters of two to six. The Eastern mistletoe of North America is similar, but has shorter, broader leaves and longer clusters of 10 or more berries.

Mistletoe is a comedy album by The Bob & Tom Show, which was first released in December 2003. It is a single disc CD which represents original material recorded during their syndicated, daily radio show and other studio numbers which had not been previously presented on air.

"Mistletoe" is a Christmas song performed by Colbie Caillat and written by friend and former manager Stacy Blue along with Caillat.

Mistletoe is the common name for several species of parasitic plants. In historical and cultural contexts, the word often refers to the European mistletoe ( Viscum album), or to the similar Eastern mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum), a species native from North America that is usually substituted for V. album in Christmas traditions.

Mistletoe may also refer to:

Mistletoe is a historic house in Natchez, Mississippi, USA. It was built in 1807 for Peter Bisland, whose brother William subsequently built Mount Repose. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since October 10, 1973.

"Mistletoe" is a Christmas song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber. It was written and produced by Nasri, and Adam Messinger. The song was released on October 17, 2011 as the lead single from his Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe (2011). "Mistletoe" is a pop and R&B song, that has reggae influences. "Mistletoe" received generally positive reviews from most music critics. The song reached the top ten in Canada, Denmark and Norway, and slightly missed the top 10 in the US, peaking at 11, while also reaching the top forty in nine other countries. The song's accompanying music video was directed by Roman White. It features the singer singing on a snowy, lit-up street.