Acaena

noun

Acae·​na
əˈsēnə
: a genus of herbs or low shrubs (family Rosaceae) mostly native to south temperate regions and having compound leaves and spiny calyces see new zealand bur

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek akaina spike, goad, from akē point

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Acaena was in 1776

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!

Dictionary Entries Near Acaena

Cite this Entry

“Acaena.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Acaena. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!