Cheiranthus

noun

Chei·​ran·​thus

kīˈran(t)thəs

: a genus of perennial herbs (family Cruciferae) including the true wallflower

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Medieval Latin keiri "wallflower, or a similar plant" (borrowed from North African or Hispano-Arabic khayrī, variant of Arabic khīrī "gillyflower," borrowed from Persian) + New Latin -anthus -anthus

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!