alkanet

noun

al·​ka·​net ˈal-kə-ˌnet 

1

a

: a European plant (Alkanna tinctoria) of the borage family

also : its root

b

: a red dyestuff prepared from the root

2

: a Eurasian plant (Anchusa officinalis) of the borage family with delicate usually blue flowers

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin alcannetta, from Arabic al-ḥanna, al-ḥinnā' the henna

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Medical Definition

alkanet

noun

al·​ka·​net ˈal-kə-ˌnet 

1

: a European plant (Alkanna tinctoria) of the borage family

also : its root

2

: a red dyestuff prepared from the root