rose of Jericho

noun phrase

rose of Jer·​i·​cho -ˈjer-i-ˌkō How to pronounce rose of Jericho (audio)
: an annual herb (Anastatica hierochuntica) of the mustard family found from northern Africa to Iran that rolls up when dry and expands when moistened

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Jericho, ancient city in Palestine

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rose of Jericho was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near rose of Jericho

Cite this Entry

“Rose of Jericho.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rose%20of%20Jericho. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on rose of Jericho

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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