carlina

noun

car·​li·​na

kärˈlīnə,

-ēnə

1

capitalized : a genus of herbs (family Compositae) of the Mediterranean region differing from the true thistles in having the outer involucral scales leaflike and spiny-toothed and the inner ones colored, raylike, and longer than the flowers

2

plural carlinae

-ī(ˌ)nē,

-ēˌnī

: a plant of the genus Carlina

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin, carline thistle, probably from Old Italian

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now