alkanet

noun

al·​ka·​net ˈal-kə-ˌnet How to pronounce alkanet (audio)
1
a
: a European plant (Alkanna tinctoria) of the borage family
also : its root
b
: a red dyestuff prepared from the root
2
: a Eurasian plant (Anchusa officinalis) of the borage family with delicate usually blue flowers

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin alcannetta, from Arabic al-ḥanna, al-ḥinnā' the henna

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkanet was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near alkanet

alkane

alkanet

alkanethiol

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Alkanet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkanet. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

alkanet

noun
al·​ka·​net ˈal-kə-ˌnet How to pronounce alkanet (audio)
1
: a European plant (Alkanna tinctoria) of the borage family
also : its root
2
: a red dyestuff prepared from the root

More from Merriam-Webster on alkanet

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alkanet

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