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

He was incensed with his mother Althaea, and therefore stayed at home with his wedded wife fair Cleopatra, who was daughter of Marpessa daughter of Euenus, and of Ides the man then living.

From The Iliad by Homer

Althaea rosea.—The hollyhock is a noble perennial, 6 to 15 ft. high, with flowers of every colour except blue.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 7 "Horticulture" to "Hudson Bay" by Various

The Althaea frutex, H syriacus, Gurhul, yields a handsome purple flower in the latter part of the rains, there are also a white, and a red variety.

From Flowers and Flower-Gardens With an Appendix of Practical Instructions and Useful Information Respecting the Anglo-Indian Flower-Garden by Richardson, David Lester