Chamaecrista

noun

Cham·​ae·​cris·​ta

in some classifications

: a genus of herbs or low shrubs characterized by sensitive leaves and suddenly and forcibly dehiscing pods, now included in the genus Cassia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from chamae- + crista (from crista pavonis, literally, peacock's crest, the pre-Linnaean name of a certain plant of the family Leguminosae)

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!