noun

• An intensely bitter herb (Artemisia absinthium and similar plants in genus Artemisia) used in medicine, in the production of absinthe and vermouth, and as a tonic.
• (figurative) Something that causes bitterness or affliction; a cause of mortification or vexation.
• (Christianity) A star or angel that appears in the Book of Revelation, turning waters bitter and poisonous.
• A surname.