agathosma

noun

ag·​a·​thos·​ma
ˌa-gə-ˈthäz-mə
1
capitalized : a genus of southern African shrubs (family Rutaceae) having heathlike foliage from which a sulfur-containing oil used in folk medicine is obtained and numerous small flowers in dense heads
2
plural -s : any plant of the genus Agathosma, several of which are cultivated in the cool greenhouse

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from agath- + -osma

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of agathosma was in 1819

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!

Dictionary Entries Near agathosma

Cite this Entry

“Agathosma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agathosma. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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