Acalypha

noun

Ac·​a·​ly·​pha
ˌakəˈlīfə,
əˈkaləfə
: a genus of herbs and shrubs (family Euphorbiaceae) found in warm regions and having alternate leaves and monoecious apetalous flowers which are showy in cultivated species see chenille sense 2

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek akalyphē, alteration of akalēphē nettle

First Known Use

circa 1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Acalypha was circa 1771

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Acalypha

Cite this Entry

“Acalypha.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Acalypha. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!