alyssum

[ uh-lis-uhm ]

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Alyssum, of the mustard family, having clusters of small yellow or white flowers.
2. any of several related plants of the genus Aurinia, as A. saxatilis, a widely cultivated species with yellow flowers.
3. sweet alyssum.

alyssum

/ ˈælɪsəm /

noun

1. 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 History and Origins

Origin of alyssum¹

1545–55; < New Latin; Latin alysson < Greek, neuter of ályssos curing (canine) madness, equivalent to a- a- ⁶ + lýss ( a ) madness + -os adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of alyssum¹

C16: from New Latin, from Greek alusson, from alussos (adj) curing rabies, referring to the ancient belief in the plant's healing properties

Example Sentences

My border seeds, the sweet alyssum and lobelia, I had sense enough not to plant, and I sowed none of the perennials.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of the annual flowers may also be used for strong color effects, as Lobelia Erinus and sweet alyssum.

From Project Gutenberg

Alyssum, white, dwarf for borders; six inches; blooms all summer if not allowed to go to seed.

From Project Gutenberg

Sweet-pease, sweet-williams, sweet-mignonette, and sweet-alyssum.

From Project Gutenberg

And yours, Alyssum, the one we call Pepper-grass, because he is so fiery?'

From Project Gutenberg