purslane

noun

purs·lane ˈpər-slən

-ˌslān

: any of a family (Portulacaceae, the purslane family) of cosmopolitan usually succulent herbs

especially : a fleshy-leaved trailing plant (Portulaca oleracea) with tiny yellow flowers that is a common troublesome weed but is sometimes eaten as a potherb or in salads

Examples of purslane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Sorby’s company, Pine Island Redfish, reclaims waste nutrients and repurposes them to grow salt-tolerant plants like mangroves and purslane, which play a crucial role in stabilizing coastlines and providing natural habitats for fish and other marine species. —

Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 The menu changes every four to six weeks, with standout dishes like East Coast oysters with pickled kohlrabi and spruce vinegar and local smoked steelhead trout with nori puree, sea beans, and purslane. —

Caitlin Palumbo, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Niacinamide and purslane extract protect your skin from free radicals while vitamin E works to nourish and soften. —

Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 2 Oct. 2024 Among a simplified formula of only eight ingredients total (a rarity on shelves), this contains a botanical extract from purslane that helps calm skin, which can become more red and irritated during pregnancy. —

Katie Becker, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for purslane

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French porsulaigne, from Late Latin porcillagin-, porcillago, alteration of Latin porcillaca, alteration of portulaca

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of purslane was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century