Melanthium

noun

Me·​lan·​thi·​um

mə̇ˈlan(t)thēəm

: a small North American genus that is sometimes made type of the family Melanthaceae or now more usually included among the Liliaceae and that comprises perennial herbs with heavy rootstocks and erect leafy stems bearing a terminal panicle of yellowish flowers having clawed perianth segments see bunchflower

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from mela- + anth- + -ium; from the dark color of the fading perianth

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!