genista

noun

ge·​nis·​ta

jə̇ˈnistə

1

capitalized : a large genus of Old World often spiny shrubs (family Leguminosae) with simple leaves and yellow flowers

2

plural -s : canary broom

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, broom

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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!