- Any one of several species of Old World warblers, esp.
the common European species (Sylvia cinerea), called also strawsmear,
nettlebird, muff, and whitecap, the garden whitethroat, or golden
warbler (S. hortensis), and the lesser whitethroat (S. curruca).
- A genus of Old World plants belonging to the Pink family
(Caryophyllaceae). Most of the species have brilliantly colored flowers
and cottony leaves, which may have anciently answered as wicks for
lamps. The botanical name is in common use for the garden species. The
corn cockle (Lychnis Githago) is a common weed in wheat fields.