purslane

noun

purs·​lane ˈpər-slən 

-ˌslān

: any of a family (Portulacaceae, the purslane family) of cosmopolitan usually succulent herbs

especially : a fleshy-leaved trailing plant (Portulaca oleracea) with tiny yellow flowers that is a common troublesome weed but is sometimes eaten as a potherb or in salads

Examples of purslane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other weeds, such as crabgrass and purslane, are annuals that sprout from seed every year. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025

Powered by long and short-chain hyaluronic molecules alongside skin-soothing purslane, this serum instantly boosts moisture levels to reveal supple, glowing skin. —Akili King, Vogue, 12 May 2025

Its unique multipurpose formula helps take care of your hands on all fronts: from the ceramide-rich complex that strengthens your skin's barrier to antioxidants like purslane and vitamin E that protect the hands from free radicals. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025

Sorby’s company, Pine Island Redfish, reclaims waste nutrients and repurposes them to grow salt-tolerant plants like mangroves and purslane, which play a crucial role in stabilizing coastlines and providing natural habitats for fish and other marine species. —Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French porsulaigne, from Late Latin porcillagin-, porcillago, alteration of Latin porcillaca, alteration of portulaca

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for purslane

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign