alkanna

noun

al·​kan·​na
alˈkanə
1
capitalized : a genus of herbs (family Boraginaceae) native to southern Europe with funnel-shaped flowers and pitted or wrinkled nutlets
2
or less commonly alkenna
-ke-
plural -s : henna sense 1

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Spanish alcana henna (shrub), from Medieval Latin alchanna, from Arabic al-ḥinnā' the henna

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkanna was in the 15th century

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 alkanna

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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