erica

¹ American  

[er-i-kuh] / ˈɛr ɪ kə /

noun

1. any of numerous low-growing evergreen shrubs or small trees belonging to the genus Erica, of the heath family, including several species of heather.

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Erica ² American  

[er-i-kuh] / ˈɛr ɪ kə /

noun

1. a female given name: derived from Eric.

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erica British  

/ ˈɛrɪkə /

noun

1. any shrub of the ericaceous genus Erica, including the heaths and some heathers

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Etymology

Origin of erica

1820–30; < New Latin Erica, Latin < Greek ereíkē heath (plant), akin to Old Irish froech, Russian véres ( k )

Example Sentences

It is singular, and perhaps significant, that the word eriko, in Greek, ἐρίϗω, whence erica is probably derived, means to break in pieces, to mangle.

From The Symbolism of Freemasonry by Mackey, Albert G.

We at length enjoyed the refreshing breeze in the beautiful region of the arborescent erica and fern; and we were enveloped in a thick bed of clouds stationary at six hundred toises above the plain.

From Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America, During the Year 1799-1804 — Volume 1 by Ross, Thomasina

But to avoid conflict with Spain they sailed henceforth more to the northern shores of erica, and endeavoured to found colonies there.

From This Country of Ours by Marshall, H. E. (Henrietta Elizabeth)

Thus the ivy was used in the Mysteries of Dionysus, the myrtle in those of Ceres, the erica in the Osirian, and the lettuce in the Adonisian.

From The Symbolism of Freemasonry by Mackey, Albert G.

In this view, Freemasonry is to us now in the place of the ancient initiations, and the acacia is substituted for the lotus, the erica, the ivy, the mistletoe, and the myrtle.

From The Symbolism of Freemasonry by Mackey, Albert G.