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

His thread was made of Hair, and of the Bark of the Stalks of Althaea, Mallows or any other Plants, which afforded such Strings as were fit for that purpose.

From The Improvement of Human Reason Exhibited in the Life of Hai Ebn Yokdhan by Tufail, Ibn

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