smilax
noun
smi·lax
ˈsmī-ˌlaks 
1
2
: a tender twining asparagus (Asparagus asparagoides) of southern Africa that has ovate bright green cladophylls which are often used in floral arrangements
Examples of smilax in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The front of the stage was draped with ivy and smilax and a profusion of flowers addend much to the scenic effect.
—
San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2022
That list includes but is not limited to honeysuckle, Carolina snailseed, poison ivy, smilax and bindweed.
—Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 2 Aug. 2021
Meanwhile, the ceiling was lined with smilax and Italian ruscus greenery.
—Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 24 May 2018
San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2022
That list includes but is not limited to honeysuckle, Carolina snailseed, poison ivy, smilax and bindweed.
—Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 2 Aug. 2021
Meanwhile, the ceiling was lined with smilax and Italian ruscus greenery.
—Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 24 May 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'smilax.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Latin, bindweed, yew, from Greek
First Known Use
1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near smilax
Cite this Entry
“Smilax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smilax. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Medical Definition
Smilax
noun
Smi·lax
ˈsmī-ˌlaks
: a large widely distributed genus of plants of the lily family (Liliaceae) which includes the sarsaparillas
More from Merriam-Webster on smilax
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about smilax
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