jequirity

[ juh-kwir-i-tee ]

noun

, plural je·quir·i·ties.

1. the rosary pea, Abrus precatorius, of the legume family.
2. Also called jequirity beans. the poisonous scarlet seeds of this plant, used for making necklaces and rosaries.

jequirity

/ dʒɪˈkwɪrɪtɪ /

noun

1. See Indian liquorice
   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