dog violet

noun

1
: a leafy-stemmed blue-flowered violet (Viola canina) found throughout the northern portions of the Old World
2
: any of several closely related plants of the genus Viola (especially V. conspersa)

Word History

Etymology

translation of New Latin viola canina

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dog violet was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

“Dog violet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dog%20violet. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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