jequirity

[ juh-kwir-i-tee ]

noun

, plural je·quir·i·ties.

1. the rosary pea, Abrus precatorius, of the legume family.
2. Also called jequirity beans. the poisonous scarlet seeds of the rosary pea, used for making necklaces and rosaries.

jequirity

/ dʒɪˈkwɪrɪtɪ /

noun

1. other names for Indian liquorice
2. the seed of the Indian liquorice

Word History and Origins

Origin of jequirity¹

1880–85; < Portuguese jequirití < Tupi-Guarani jekirití

Word History and Origins

Origin of jequirity¹

C19: from Portuguese jequirití, from Tupi-Guarani jekirití