Aaron's-beard

noun

Aar·​on's-beard
plural Aaron's-beards
: any of several plants having numerous stamens or threadlike runners: such as
a
: great saint-john's-wort
b
: jerusalem star
d
: kenilworth ivy
e
or Aaron's-beard cactus : a cactus (Opuntia leucotricha) that has white hairs on its joints

Word History

Etymology

so called from the reference to the patriarch Aaron's beard in Psalms 133:2

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Aaron's-beard was in 1820

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Dictionary Entries Near Aaron's-beard

Cite this Entry

“Aaron's-beard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Aaron%27s-beard. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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