senna

noun sen·na \ ˈse-nə \

Definition of senna

1 :any of a genus (Cassia synonym Senna) of leguminous herbs, shrubs, and trees native to warm regions :cassia 2; especially :one used medicinally

2 :the dried leaflets or pods of various sennas (especially Cassia angustifolia synonym Senna alexandrina) used as a purgative

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Recent Examples of senna from the Web

The fitness star quotes a description of Flat Tummy Tea’s main ingredients, including senna, a plant that can have laxative effects (and appears in the brand's Cleanse Tea).

— sarah klein, Health.com, "Here's Why This Fitness Star Is Calling Out a Flat-Belly 'Detox' Tea," 2 Aug. 2017
The fitness star quotes a description of Flat Tummy Tea’s main ingredients, including senna, a plant that can have laxative effects (and appears in the brand’s Cleanse Tea).

— sarah klein, PEOPLE.com, "Fitness Star Massy Arias Calls Out ‘Scam Artists’ Flat Tummy Tea for Reposting Her Image," 2 Aug. 2017
Made with ingredients such as alma oil, senna leaf extract and cupuacu butter, the mask is used in-shower after shampooing your hair.

— atlanta life, ajc, "Three finds worth buying," 18 July 2017
Made with ingredients such as alma oil, senna leaf extract and cupuacu butter, the mask is used in-shower after shampooing your hair.

— atlanta life, ajc, "Three finds worth buying," 18 July 2017
Made with ingredients such as alma oil, senna leaf extract and cupuacu butter, the mask is used in-shower after shampooing your hair.

— atlanta life, ajc, "Three finds worth buying," 18 July 2017
And some of the excitement was because of the new ingredient in the formula, Indian senna seed, which is a natural alternative to hyaluronic acid.

— emily barth isler, Allure, "Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream Has a Waitlist of 600 People," 18 July 2017
Made with ingredients such as alma oil, senna leaf extract and cupuacu butter, the mask is used in-shower after shampooing your hair.

— atlanta life, ajc, "Three finds worth buying," 18 July 2017
Made with ingredients such as alma oil, senna leaf extract and cupuacu butter, the mask is used in-shower after shampooing your hair.

— courtney ortega, star-telegram.com, "IGK’s new spray-on hair mask is a time saver," 19 May 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of senna

New Latin, from Arabic sanā

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1543

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Medical Dictionary

senna

noun sen·na \ ˈsen-ə \

medical Definition of senna

1 :any of a genus (Cassia synonym Senna) of leguminous plants of warm regions; especially :one used medicinally

2 :the dried leaflets or pods of various sennas (especially Cassia angustifolia synonym Senna alexandrina) used as a purgative

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See words that rhyme with senna Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about senna

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