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

The hand cream has a multipurpose approach to care for 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, 18 Nov. 2025

In the summer or fall, look for purslane, lamb’s quarters or plantain. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2025

Rice extract, rice bran extract, purslane extract, adenosine Best For: Discoloration, brightening How to Use: Shake well to emulsify the formulas, then dispense onto a cotton pad (or into your hands) and pat it into your skin. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2025

One study showed purslane to contain five times higher omega-3 fatty acids than spinach. —Khalil Alhajal, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025

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