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purpleheart

noun (1)
pur·​ple·​heart | \ˈpər-pəl-ˌhärt \

Definition of purpleheart 

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a strong durable purplish wood that is obtained from various leguminous trees (genus Peltogyne) of Central and South America also : a tree producing such wood

Purple Heart

noun (2)

Definition of Purple Heart (Entry 2 of 2)

: a U.S. military decoration awarded to any member of the armed forces wounded or killed in action

Examples of purpleheart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Neil Sperry Mixed perennials were chosen for seasons of color (purpleheart, yarrow, cannas and others). — Neil Sperry, star-telegram, "Transitions are important in garden design," 1 May 2017

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

First Known Use of purpleheart

Noun (1)

1738, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1932, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of purpleheart was in 1738

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More Definitions for purpleheart

Purple Heart

noun

English Language Learners Definition of Purple Heart

: a U.S. military award that is given to a soldier who is wounded or killed in battle

See the full definition for Purple Heart in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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