Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

Acalypha

noun
Save Word
Ac·​a·​ly·​pha | \ ˌakəˈlīfə, əˈkaləfə \

Definition of Acalypha

: a genus of herbs and shrubs (family Euphorbiaceae) found in warm regions and having alternate leaves and monoecious apetalous flowers which are showy in cultivated species — see chenille sense 2

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!

First Known Use of Acalypha

circa 1771, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Acalypha

New Latin, from Greek akalyphē, alteration of akalēphē nettle

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Acalypha

Time Traveler for Acalypha

Time Traveler

The first known use of Acalypha was circa 1771

See more words from the same year

Statistics for Acalypha

Cite this Entry

“Acalypha.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Acalypha. Accessed 26 Sep. 2020.

Comments on Acalypha

What made you want to look up Acalypha? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

emollient

Listen to the pronunciation of emollient

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

  • stylized drawing of woman pole vaulting across gap to get trophy
  • Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games