cenizo

noun

ce·​ni·​zo

sə-ˈnē-(ˌ)zō,

-(ˌ)sō

plural cenizos

1

Southwest : shad scale

2

West Indies : any of a variety of shrubs and herbs with silver-gray foliage

3

: barometer bush

The bees are really enjoying the cenizos in front of the house, which have turned spectacularly purple with flowers.

—Mike Leggett, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Sept. 2009

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from Spanish, white goosefoot, probably from ceniza ashes, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin cinisia, irregular from Latin cinis

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for cenizo

• carrizo
• chorizo
• mestizo