1 definition
for horsetails
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :
Equisetum \Eq`ui*se"tum\, n.; pl. Equiseta. [L., the
horsetail, fr. equus horse + seta a thick,, stiff hair,
bristle.] (Bot.)
A genus of vascular, cryptogamic, herbaceous plants; -- also
called horsetails.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The Equiseta have hollow jointed stems and no true
leaves. The cuticle often contains siliceous granules,
so that one species ({E. hyemale) is used for scouring
and polishing, under the name of Dutch rush or
scouring rush.
[1913 Webster]