alkanet

noun

al·ka·net ˈal-kə-ˌnet

: a European plant (Alkanna tinctoria) of the borage family

also : its root

: a red dyestuff prepared from the root

: a Eurasian plant (Anchusa officinalis) of the borage family with delicate usually blue flowers

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

See more words from the same century

Style

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