Aeschynomene

noun

Aes·​chy·​nom·​e·​ne

ˌe-skə-ˈnä-mə-(ˌ)nē

: a genus of shrubs and herbs (family Leguminosae) widely distributed in warm regions and having jointed pods and pinnate and often sensitive leaves see sensitive joint vetch, sola

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek aischynomenē sensitive plant, from aischynē shame + -menē (from menos mind); from the fact that the leafstalks droop when touched

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined above

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!