Orobanche

noun Oro·ban·che

Definition of Orobanche

: a large genus (the type of the family Orobanchaceae) of root-parasitic herbs native to the Old World and western America that have fleshy yellowish white and spicate bracted flowers — see broomrape

There's more!

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!

Origin and Etymology of orobanche

New Latin, from Latin, broomrape, from Greek orobanchē dodder, broomrape, from orobos bitter vetch, chick-pea + anchein to strangle

Seen and Heard

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

show

WORD OF THE DAY

quail

play

to recoil in dread or terror

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games