Lung·wort n. Bot. (a) An herb of the genus Pulmonaria (Pulmonaria officinalis), of Europe; -- so called because the spotted appearance of the leaves resembles that of a diseased lung. (b) Any plant of the genus Mertensia (esp. Mertensia Virginica and Mertensia Sibirica), plants nearly related to Pulmonaria.  The American lungwort is Mertensia Virginica, Virginia cowslip.
 Cow's lungwort mullein.
 Sea lungwort, Mertensia maritima, found on the seacoast of Northern Europe and America.
 Tree lungwort, a lichen (Sticta pulmonacea) growing on trees and rocks.  The thallus is lacunose, and in appearance somewhat resembles the lungs, for diseases of which it was once thought a remedy.
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 Vir·gin·i·a n. One of the States of the United States of America.  -- a. Of or pertaining to the State of Virginia.
 Virginia cowslip Bot., the American lungwort (Mertensia Virginica).
 Virginia creeper Bot., a common ornamental North American woody vine (Ampelopsis quinquefolia), climbing extensively by means of tendrils; -- called also woodbine, and American ivy. [U. S.]
 Virginia fence. See Worm fence, under Fence.
 Virginia nightingale Zool., the cardinal bird.  See under Cardinal.
 Virginia quail Zool., the bobwhite.
 Virginia reel, an old English contradance; -- so called in the United States. --Bartlett.
 Virginia stock. Bot. See Mahon stock.
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 Mertensia virginica
      n : smooth erect herb of eastern North America having entire
          leaves and showy blue flowers that are pink in bud [syn:
          Virginia bluebell, Virginia cowslip]