alyssum
[ uh-lis-uhm ]
/ əˈlɪs əm /
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noun
any of various plants belonging to the genus Alyssum, of the mustard family, having clusters of small yellow or white flowers.
any of several related plants of the genus Aurinia, as A. saxatilis, a widely cultivated species with yellow flowers.
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Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Origin of alyssum
1545–55; <New Latin; Latin alysson<Greek, neuter of ályssos curing (canine) madness, equivalent to a-a-6 + lýss(a) madness + -os adj. suffix
Words nearby alyssum
Alyce clover, alymphia, alymphocytosis, alymphoplasia, Alyson, alyssum, Alzheimer's disease, am, ama, AMAB, Amabelle
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for alyssum
alyssum
/ (ˈælɪsəm) /
noun
any widely cultivated herbaceous garden plant of the genus Alyssum, having clusters of small yellow or white flowers: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)See also sweet alyssum, alison
Word Origin for alyssum
C16: from New Latin, from Greek alusson, from alussos (adj) curing rabies, referring to the ancient belief in the plant's healing properties
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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