alexanders

[ al-ig-zan-derz, -zahn- ]

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)

, plural al·ex·an·ders.

1. a tall plant, Angelica atropurpurea, of the parsley family, having broad clusters of small white flowers.
2. a related plant, Smyrnium olusatrum, having yellowish flowers.

alexanders

/ ˌælɪɡˈzɑːndəz /

noun

1. a biennial umbelliferous plant, Smyrnium olusatrum, native to S Europe, with dense umbels of yellow-green flowers and black fruits
2. golden alexanders
   golden alexanders an umbelliferous plant, Zizia aurea, of North America, having yellow flowers in compound umbels

Word History and Origins

Origin of alexanders¹

Probably < French alexandre ( s ); compare Middle English alisaundre (< OF), Old English alexandre < Medieval Latin ( petroselīnum ) Alexandrīnum a name for Smyrnium olusatrum, and synonymous with Medieval Latin petroselīnum Macedonicum, apparently through association of Macedonia with Alexander the Great; parsley

Word History and Origins

Origin of alexanders¹

Old English, from Medieval Latin alexandrum, probably (through association in folk etymology with Alexander the Great) changed from Latin holus atrum black vegetable