How Do You Spell WORMWOOD SCRUBS?

Pronunciation: [wˈɜːmwʊd skɹˈʌbz] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the name "Wormwood Scrubs" may be confusing to some. The word "Wormwood" is pronounced with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈwɔːmˌwʊd/, meaning the first syllable is stressed and the "w" is pronounced like /w/. Meanwhile, "Scrubs" is pronounced /skrʌbz/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "s" pronounced like /sk/. The combination of these two words is unique to the London suburb of Wormwood Scrubs, which is home to a notorious prison and a large park.

WORMWOOD SCRUBS Meaning and Definition

1. Wormwood Scrubs is a place name that refers to a public open space located in the Hammersmith and Fulham borough of London, England. It primarily refers to a large area of flat, open grassland surrounded by a perimeter fence, measuring approximately 200 acres in size.

   The term "Wormwood" is derived from the Old English word "wermōd," which means "bitter herb." Historically, this bitter plant, also known as Artemisia absinthium, was used for its medicinal properties and in the production of the alcoholic beverage absinthe. However, it is uncertain how the connection occurred between the plant's name and this particular area in London.

   The inclusion of "Scrubs" in the place name indicates that the land was originally covered with shrubs, light vegetation, or scrubland. Over time, the area has been transformed into a public recreation ground, offering various amenities such as playing fields, walkways, and sports facilities.

   Wormwood Scrubs is also known for its infamous prison, which is situated within the open space. This prison, officially known as HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs, is a Category B men's prison that has been in operation since 1874. It serves as a correctional facility, housing individuals who have been sentenced for various criminal offenses.

   Overall, Wormwood Scrubs refers to both the open space and the prison, and is an important landmark in London with historical, recreational, and legal significance.

Common Misspellings for WORMWOOD SCRUBS

• qormwood scrubs
• aormwood scrubs
• sormwood scrubs
• eormwood scrubs
• 3ormwood scrubs
• 2ormwood scrubs
• wirmwood scrubs
• wkrmwood scrubs
• wlrmwood scrubs
• wprmwood scrubs
• w0rmwood scrubs
• w9rmwood scrubs
• woemwood scrubs
• wodmwood scrubs
• wofmwood scrubs
• wotmwood scrubs
• wo5mwood scrubs
• wo4mwood scrubs
• wornwood scrubs
• workwood scrubs

Etymology of WORMWOOD SCRUBS

The word "Wormwood Scrubs" has an interesting etymology.

The term "wormwood" comes from the Old English word "wermōd" which is derived from the Germanic roots "wer" (meaning "man") and "mōd" (meaning "wood"). "Wermōd" refers to the plant Artemisia absinthium, commonly known as wormwood. Wormwood has a bitter taste and is often associated with bitterness, affliction, and grief in various cultures.

The word "Scrubs" in this context refers to the land covered with low-growing vegetation or woody shrubs. It comes from the Middle English word "scrob", which means "brushwood" or "undergrowth".

Therefore, "Wormwood Scrubs" refers to an area of land covered with scrubland where wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) grows.