Adam's needle

noun

: an often cultivated yucca (Yucca filamentosa) of coastal pine barrens of the eastern U.S. with a basal rosette of sharp-tipped leaves having loose threads along the margins

Word History

Etymology

after adam entry 1, in reference to the fig leaves sewn by Adam and Eve after their temptation by the serpent (Genesis 3:7)

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Adam's needle was in 1730

Dictionary Entries Near Adam's needle

Cite this Entry

“Adam's needle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Adam%27s%20needle. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!