[? ad. Gr. κύφελλα pl. the hollows of the ears, clouds of mist: see next.]
1. Formerly a name for the Houseleek (Sempervivum); now a book-name for Cherleria sedoides.
1674–91. Ray, N. C. Words, 133. Cyphel, Houseleek.
1787. Withering, Bot. Arrangem. (ed. 2), I. 462. Cherleria sedoides … Cyphel.
1883. G. Allen, Mountain Tulip, in Longm. Mag., I. 416. The Scottish asphodel, the mossy cyphel.
2. Adapted form of CYPHELLA.
