smilax

American  

[smahy-laks] / ˈsmaɪ læks /

noun

1. any plant belonging to the genus Smilax, of the lily family, growing in tropical and temperate zones, consisting mostly of vines having woody stems.

2. a delicate, twining plant, Asparagus asparagoides, of the lily family, having glossy, bright-green, egg-shaped leaves, cultivated by florists.

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smilax British  

/ ˈsmaɪlæks /

noun

1. any typically climbing shrub of the smilacaceous genus Smilax, of warm and tropical regions, having slightly lobed leaves, small greenish or yellow flowers, and berry-like fruits: includes the sarsaparilla plant and greenbrier

2. a fragile, much branched liliaceous vine, Asparagus asparagoides, of southern Africa: cultivated by florists for its glossy bright green foliage

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Etymology

Origin of smilax

1595–1605; < Latin smīlax bindweed < Greek smîlax bindweed, yew

Example Sentences

Everything was done, including smilax, minuets and no admission for whippersnappers until after the grand march, to make the affair savor of a vanishing grand manner.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Grand Ballroom of Manhattan's Waldorf-Astoria was hung with white-dipped smilax, pink lights winking among the leaves, for the 19th annual Debutante Cotillion and Christmas Ball.

From Time Magazine Archive

For nearly 20 years she has been ordering smilax, keeping the wrong people out of parties.

From Time Magazine Archive

Just inside the circle formed by the plates, glasses, etc., a wavy circle of smilax trailed and ran out into little curves between the plates.

From Suppers Novel Suggestions for Social Occasions by Pierce, Paul

Four half-barrel hoops had been wreathed in smilax, and arched across the table at regular intervals, one at each end and one between each two places.

From Winona of the Camp Fire by Widdemer, Margaret