alyssum

noun alys·sum \ ə-ˈli-səm \

Updated on: 13 Mar 2018

Definition of alyssum

1 : any of a genus (Alyssum) of Eurasian herbs of the mustard family with small usually yellow racemose flowers — called also madwort

2 : sweet alyssum

Recent Examples of alyssum from the Web

The foliage looks good on all but the calendulas and alyssum.

— calvin finch, San Antonio Express-News, "What garden damage can S.A. expect from the freeze?," 12 Jan. 2018
Snapdragon, alyssum, calendulas, stock, petunias and roses out in the open all had their blooms frozen.

— calvin finch, San Antonio Express-News, "What garden damage can S.A. expect from the freeze?," 12 Jan. 2018
Especially fine seeds, such as alyssum and poppies, are simply sprinkled onto the prepared soil, pressed down and watered in.

— NOLA.com, "29 flowering plants to add to your fall garden in South Louisiana," 28 Oct. 2017
So did the vincas, snapdragons, kangaroo paws, salvia, sweet alyssum, begonias, primroses and false heather.

— susan christian goulding, Orange County Register, "Where the Heart Is: Look what the rain brought out," 19 May 2017
Bees, for example, may forage alyssum and dianthus on mild winter days.

— dan gill, NOLA.com, "How to attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators to your garden," 24 June 2017
Marigolds, alyssum, and herbs like basil, and oregano can work in small spaces.

— beth engeleman, chicagotribune.com, "A growing family," 4 May 2017
Start these ornamental annuals indoors for transplanting outdoors in mid to late May:alyssum, cosmos, cardinal climber, marigolds, nicotiana, moonflower and impatiens.

— betty cahill, The Denver Post, "Punch List: What to do in your Denver-area garden the first week of April," 31 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alyssum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of alyssum

New Latin, from Greek alysson, plant believed to cure rabies, from neuter of alyssos curing rabies, from a- + lyssa rabies

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First Known Use: 1548

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