Althaea

American  

[al-thee-uh] / ælˈθi ə /

noun

Classical Mythology.

1. wife of Oeneus and mother of Toxeus, Tydeus, Meleager, and Deianira.

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althaea British  

/ ælˈθiːə /

noun

1. any Eurasian plant of the malvaceous genus Althaea, such as the hollyhock, having tall spikes of showy white, yellow, or red flowers

2. another name for rose of Sharon

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Etymology

Origin of althaea

C17: from Latin althaea, from Greek althaia marsh mallow (literally: healing plant), from Greek althein to heal

Example Sentences

When marshmallows were originally conceived in ancient Egypt, they were derived from a plant called Althaea officinalis and utilized as an herbal medicine.

From Salon • Nov. 21, 2023

Ancient Egyptian royalty ate the sap of Althaea officinalis, a mallow plant that grows in marshes, mixed with nuts and honey.

From Washington Post

The Leaves.—Alcea agrees in quality with the Althaea and Malva vulgaris; but appears to be less mucilaginous than either.

From The Botanist's Companion, Volume II by Salisbury, William

One's thoughts can only wander towards two great heroines of "lost" plays, Althaea in the Meleager, and Stheneboea in the Bellerophon.

From The Electra of Euripides Translated into English rhyming verse by Murray, Gilbert

Marry, my lord, Althaea dreamt she was delivered of a fire-brand; and therefore I call him her dream.

From King Henry IV, Part 2 by Shakespeare, William