canescent

adjective

ca·​nes·​cent kə-ˈne-sᵊnt How to pronounce canescent (audio)
ka-
: growing white, whitish, or hoary
especially : having a fine grayish-white pubescence
canescent leaves

Word History

Etymology

Latin canescent-, canescens, present participle of canescere, inchoative of canēre to be gray, be white, from canus white, hoary — more at hare

First Known Use

circa 1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of canescent was circa 1775

Dictionary Entries Near canescent

cane rust

canescent

cane sugar

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

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

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