alkanna

noun

al·​kan·​na
alˈkanə
1
capitalized : a genus of herbs (family Boraginaceae) native to southern Europe with funnel-shaped flowers and pitted or wrinkled nutlets
2
or less commonly alkenna
-ke-
plural -s : henna sense 1

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Spanish alcana henna (shrub), from Medieval Latin alchanna, from Arabic al-ḥinnā' the henna

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkanna was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near alkanna

Cite this Entry

“Alkanna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkanna. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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