smilax

noun

smi·​lax ˈsmī-ˌlaks 

1

: greenbrier

2

: a tender twining asparagus (Asparagus asparagoides) of southern Africa that has ovate bright green cladophylls which are often used in floral arrangements

Examples of smilax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The front of the stage was draped with ivy and smilax and a profusion of flowers addend much to the scenic effect. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2022

That list includes but is not limited to honeysuckle, Carolina snailseed, poison ivy, smilax and bindweed. — Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 2 Aug. 2021

Meanwhile, the ceiling was lined with smilax and Italian ruscus greenery. — Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 24 May 2018

Word History

Etymology

Latin, bindweed, yew, from Greek

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for smilax

• attacks
• backpacks
• beeswax
• borax
• callbacks
• carfax
• climax
• cutbacks
• drawbacks
• feedbacks
• flashbacks
• greenbacks

Medical Definition

Smilax

noun

Smi·​lax ˈsmī-ˌlaks 

: a large widely distributed genus of plants (family Smilacaceae) which includes the sarsaparillas