SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

Castilleja

noun
Save Word
Cas·​til·​le·​ja
variants: or less commonly Castilleia \ ˌkastəˈlē(y)ə \

Definition of Castilleja

: a large genus of root-parasitic herbs (family Scrophulariaceae) abundant in western North America and characterized by irregular hooded flowers in dense spikes usually with brightly colored bracts — see indian paintbrush

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!

History and Etymology for Castilleja

New Latin, irregular (influence of Spanish -eja, diminutive suffix) from Juan Castillo y López

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Castilleja

Statistics for Castilleja

Cite this Entry

“Castilleja.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Castilleja. Accessed 28 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Comments on Castilleja

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

deference

Listen to the pronunciation of deference

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

  • squirrel in winter
  • Which is a synonym of perdure?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

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