RUPTURE-WORT: A genus of the dignia order, belonging to the pentandria clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 11th order, Sarmentaceae. The calyx is quinque partite; there is no corolla; there are five barren stamens, and a monospermous capsule.

Species. There are four species, of which the only remarkable one is the glabra, or smooth rupture-wort, a native of many parts of England. It is a low trailing plant, with leaves like the smaller chickweed; the flowers come out in clusters from the side of the stalks at the joints, and are of a yellowish green colour.

Uses, &c. This plant is a little salutary and astrigent. The juice takes away specks in the eye. Cows, sheep, and horses, eat the plant; goats and swine refuse it.