1. a flat piece of wood or ruler used for punishing children by striking them
Usage: archaic
2. a genus of tall perennial herbs in the carrot family, including giant fennel
Usage: botanical

Examples

• The old schoolmaster kept a ferula on his desk to maintain discipline.
• In ancient times, teachers commonly used a ferula to correct misbehaving students.
• The ferula was a symbol of strict educational authority.
• Giant ferula plants can grow over ten feet tall in Mediterranean climates.
• The ferula species produces aromatic resins used in traditional medicine.
• Botanists study various ferula specimens for their medicinal properties.