Acalypha

noun

Ac·​a·​ly·​pha
ˌakəˈlīfə,
əˈkaləfə
: a genus of herbs and shrubs (family Euphorbiaceae) found in warm regions and having alternate leaves and monoecious apetalous flowers which are showy in cultivated species see chenille sense 2

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek akalyphē, alteration of akalēphē nettle

First Known Use

circa 1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Acalypha was circa 1771

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Cite this Entry

“Acalypha.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Acalypha. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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